pest What are these critters!!!

[SunStriderSanj]

Hi guys from the posted pictures can you guys help me identify the root causes of these particular symptoms afflicting my habanero chilli plant.

I think the white stuff under the leaves is mealy bugs? Not sure what that black gunk is on the stem.

Also what's causing all the new flowers to drop of

 

[ahayastani]

The white fluffy stuff are mealybugs. Give them a rub with your fingers and they´re gone. Others will come, however, so you'll have to be on the look-out for new arrivals.

Black gunk: I've seen something similar here when it's cold, wet, and cloudy - when we're hit by a quick succession of hurricanes for instance (with cold I mean less than 30º) - but I've never seen it take down a plant.

 

[SunStriderSanj]

Thanks for the advice