Phytophthora capsici on Capsicum Plants: A Destructive Pathogen in Chili and Pepper Crops

Abstract

Capsicum from tropical and subtropical America, is an important genus for the nutritional, economic and cultural values of its species. At the same time, the Capsicum species are affected by diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and pseudofungi, in particular the oomycete Phytophthora capsici. This phytopathogen causes great damage and losses in different Capsicum species, because it infects all plant organs causing root, crown and fruit rot; and, leaf blight. The polycyclic dispersion through zoospores and sporangia, the limited availability of resistant genotypes, and the reduced diversity of effective oomyceticides (fungicides), make P. capsici one of the most complex phytopathogens to be managed worldwide specially in field conditions. However, successful management of P. capsici depends on the knowledge of the pathogen, its interaction with the susceptible host and the methods of control used. Thus, this chapter addressed the etiology, symptomatology, occurrence and management of the disease. Additionally, the cycle of the disease is discussed in a holistic and simple way.