**4. Occurrence of** *Phytophthora capsici* **worldwide**

*Phytophthora capsici* has been reported affecting various crops in several countries, however, we focus on the pathogen's reports on *Capsicum* spp. (**Figure 3**). The first report of the oomycete dates back to 1922 in New Mexico, attacking branches and fruits of chili plants [35]. Subsequently, the pathogen was reported in the Netherlands [28], Bulgaria [36], Brazil [37], South Africa [38], Korea [39] and Tunisia [40], all affecting pepper.

From 2002 onwards, the oomycete was reported affecting *Capsicum* spp. crops in different countries and regions such as Egypt [41], Spain [42], and Italy [43], China [44], Canada [45], Taiwan [46], Peru [47], Algeria [48], Mexico [49], Laos PDR [29], Pakistan, [50], Bhutan [22], Indonesia [51], Trinidad and Tobago [20] and Ecuador [52]. Despite the oomycete's reported geographical distribution affecting mainly chili and sweet peppers, some other countries could be affected, but official reports are missing [9].

Phytophthora capsici *on* Capsicum *Plants: A Destructive Pathogen in Chili and Pepper Crops DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104726*

### **Figure 3.**

*Global geographic distribution of* Phytophthora capsici *affecting tissues of* Capsicum *plants. This figure was developed with the help of the BioRender platform. Source: Unpublished photographs from the authors.*
