Pest or Disease?

Question

Recently I noticed that my summer squash and bell pepper plants, along with a few tomatoes, have either been attacked by a pest or a disease. I am unsure of which, and I am unaware of the best way to prevent any additonal fruit from dying/decaying.

The peppers look as though they had a bite taken out of them, then they started to rot. Or it can look as though it just rotted/has become moldy. Some fruit will fall off of the plant where others remain attached.

The summer squash has no holes, only looks as though it has a disease, or became moldy. We have noticed the plant stems are hollow.

The kicker is that I have seen no bugs on either plant. Only a few bunnies have entered the garden – who have eaten all of my romaine plants. 🙁

I am in need of guidance on identifying what is going on in my garden as well as how to prevent any further damage and loss. Thanks!

Answer 1

On the peppers, that is damage caused by slugs. They only come out at night, so you would not see them. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/facts-about-slugs-and-how-to-kill-garden-slugs.htm

The stems on squash are naturally hollow, so that is not a problem. What it sounds like you have on those is powdery mildew. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm