Wet rot

Symptom

Wet rot disease in chili plants, commonly caused by fungal pathogen, is favored by high humidity, dense plant canopies, and excessive irrigation. Initial symptoms appear as soft, water-soaked spots on stems, branches, or fruit, especially near the soil line or in areas with poor ventilation. Affected areas rapidly become soft, mushy, and dark brown to black as the disease progresses, leading to wet, slimy decay. Infected plants exhibit sudden wilting and may collapse entirely if stem infections girdle the plant base. White to grayish fungal mycelium, and sometimes black sclerotia, may be observed on the infected tissues, especially under humid conditions. Infected chili fruits become soft, watery, and unmarketable, with visible fungal growth on the surface.