Beginning in late 2019, this investment is investigating the causes behind internal fruit rot in capsicums and developing management techniques for growers to both prevent infection and minimise the risk of sending damaged fruit to market. Ultimately, this project aims to deliver capsicum growers with an integrated disease management strategy to control internal rot, as well as developing a predictive model that will help growers identify crops at risk and diagnose infection early.

Internal fruit rot can be a significant issue for capsicum growers, as although infection occurs during flowering, the disease can remain latent in the fruit until it starts to ripen. Once capsicums are harvested, development can accelerate, with fungal growth spreading into the seed and the edible flesh. As the disease cannot be detected externally, infected fruit can be sent to market resulting in waste and loss of consumer confidence. Several different fungi can cause the disease, including species of Fusarium and Alternaria, however it is unclear which are the primary organisms that are responsible for this disease in Australia.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund