Purple discoloration at stem joints. Why?

WVTomatoMan · July 9, 2008

I've had and have seen purple to almost black discoloration of pepper plant stems at the joint of a leaf branch as well as running vertically up the stem. This occurs on otherwise healthy plants. At first I thought it was a magnesium deficiency caused by cooler weather. But then I've seen it last an entire season. What is it? What causes it?

Thanks.

Randy

svalli · July 11, 2008

The purple color on stems of some peppers is normal and not caused by a deficiency or cold weather. The color is caused by Anthocyanin, which makes whole leaves in some of the ornamental peppers purple or black.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthocyanin

WVTomatoMan · July 14, 2008

Thank you. That explains it. I'm glad they had the jalapeno pepper picture in that article because the text talked more about berries etc.

July 9, 2008	#1
WVTomatoMan Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: West Virginia - Zone 6 Posts: 594	Purple discoloration at stem joints. Why? I've had and have seen purple to almost black discoloration of pepper plant stems at the joint of a leaf branch as well as running vertically up the stem. This occurs on otherwise healthy plants. At first I thought it was a magnesium deficiency caused by cooler weather. But then I've seen it last an entire season. What is it? What causes it? Thanks. Randy

July 11, 2008	#2
svalli Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vaasa, Finland, latitude N 63° Posts: 838	The purple color on stems of some peppers is normal and not caused by a deficiency or cold weather. The color is caused by Anthocyanin, which makes whole leaves in some of the ornamental peppers purple or black. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthocyanin __________________ "I only want to live in peace, plant potatoes and dream." - Moomin-troll by Tove Jansson

July 14, 2008	#3
WVTomatoMan Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: West Virginia - Zone 6 Posts: 594	Thank you. That explains it. I'm glad they had the jalapeno pepper picture in that article because the text talked more about berries etc.