Plant diseases can be a limiting factor in pepper production wherever the crop is grown. Moisture in the form of wind blown rain, saturated soils and high humidity plays a major role in the occurrence of both bacterial and fungal diseases. Insects that attack pepper serve to create wounds favorable for bacterial soft rot and spread several virus diseases. Clean seed, greenhouse sanitation, crop rotation, and cultural measures in the field are all key components for disease control, but it all starts with the seed! This is especially true for the first disease discussed, bacterial leaf spot. All major seed companies are incorporating disease resistance into most released varieties with emphasis placed on bacterial leaf spot, Phytophthora blight, and assorted virus diseases.