Dr. Phillip Lujan, an Extension Plant Pathologist and Assistant Professor at NMSU, developed his passion for plant health during his undergraduate studies in agricultural biology. His work now centers on helping chile growers manage and combat various plant diseases that affect their crops in New Mexico.
Dr. Lujan recently participated in the "Chile Chats" series hosted by the New Mexico Chile Pepper Institute. These events bring together farmers, researchers, and chili enthusiasts to discuss everything related to chili, from plant diseases and pests to growing techniques and chili history. Dr. Lujan took the opportunity to educate the community about common chili diseases and share strategies to mitigate their impact.
One of the most persistent issues facing chile growers is beet curly top virus. According to Dr. Lujan, this disease causes plants to become stunted with curled leaves, resulting in little to no fruit production. The virus is a frequent visitor to the plant diagnostic clinic at NMSU, especially in recent years, and represents a major challenge for maintaining healthy chile crops.
In addition to curly top, Dr. Lujan identified four major soilborne diseases in the region: rhizoctonia root rot, fusarium root rot, phytophthora root rot, and verticillium wilt. These are often triggered by excessive moisture, making New Mexico's monsoon season a risky time for growers. While rainfall is essential for replenishing water sources, it can also encourage the spread of disease, highlighting the delicate balance farmers must navigate in their fight to protect chile crops.
Original source: www.krwg.org