Fungi Associated with Internal Contamination of Sun-Dried Chile in New Mexico

1. The marketing of sun-dried chile produced in New Mexico is seriously handicapped by the presence of molds within the cured pods. 2. A three-year study revealed that: a. 21 different fungi were responsible for internal pod contamination. b. The most common internal contamination were two species of Fusarium, two species of Alternaria, and one species of Hormodendrum. c. Prevalence of the various fungi varied from year to year. 3. The fungi usually gained entrance to the red succulent pods following damage by frost when the ovary wall pulled away from the seed mass allowing for the entrance of fungus spores. 4. When moisture collected in the shoulder folds of fleshy pods, Alternaria tenuis and A. solani entered by direct penetration of the ovary wall. 5. About 200 progeny lines were examined for resistance to frost damage, with negative results. 6. Mold percentages were lower in lines which produced pods with narrow shoulders and a tight-fitting calyx.