Sweet pepper "Quadrato D`Asti Giallo"

Why do peppers grow deformed? Troubleshooting Guide.

1. Why do growths appear near the stalk?
These growths are anthers that continue to grow along with the fruit after flowering. This ruins the appearance of the fruit.
Cause: Inflorescences developed at temperatures below +18°C. This often happens in April-June (cold nights) or August in unheated greenhouses.

2. Why are there little "peppers" inside the pepper?
This is internal proliferation—abnormal growth of nectary tissues.
Cause: Disruption of growth hormone supply. Can occur at various stages of development.

3. Why are the fruits uneven or deformed?
Deformation is caused by low temperatures, nutrient deficiency, or low humidity during flower formation.
Mechanism: Flowers form weakly, leading to poor pollination. The fruit wall deforms in places where seeds are missing or underdeveloped (seeds stimulate wall growth). Cold also causes flattening of fruits (especially in conical and prismatic varieties).

4. Why do flowers drop and fruit fail to set?
The main reason is poor pollination. Risk factors:
* Heat: Above +32°C, pollen becomes sterile.
* High humidity: Pollen becomes sticky and doesn't release from anthers.
* Dryness: Pollen doesn't stick to the pistil.
* Pests: Flower thrips eat the pollen.

Solution:
- Regulate the climate through ventilation and evening watering.
- Check for thrips (shake a flower over your palm). If there is movement, treat with an insecticide (e.g., "Fitoverm").

Pepper Problems: Deformed Fruits and Flower Drop - read in Europe