Diseases - Sooty Mould

Jan 22 02:54pm

This dark fungal growth forms on the sticky secretions (called honeydew) produced by sap-sucking insects.

It causes unsightly black mould to appear on leaves and stems but does not harm plants directly. Occasionally sooty mould will appear on shrubs growing under trees or palms infested with pests because their sugary secretions have fallen onto the leaves below.

Control:
If you remove the primary infection, such as the aphids, scale or psyllids, the sooty mould will disappear.

Hose the plant with a strong spray to assist in the clean up.

4 Comments Report Abuse

1. johnsonjuliemaree - Nov 27 01:24pm

I am not sure if this is what is effecting my citris trees or not but the trunks are black and the leaves have a black ashy type powder on them. I do not get any fruit as yet and there are millions of ants always on the trees.
Can you please advise
Thank you
J Johnson

2. kasphr3 - Jul 15 01:00pm

I think this is the problem I have with my Lilly Pilly's,( they are standards ) but they are in containers under a verandah, and I have treated them for scale, but the leaves are turning brown and dying off, the plants are 4 years old, they are sickly plants, should I put them out of their misery?