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Fruit and Nut Tree Disease Management

Melanie Lewis Ivey

Sooty Mold

Sooty Mold

Sooty Mold

Sooty Mold

Disease Spotlight

Sooty mold is the common name given to several genera of fungi that grow on honeydew secretions deposited on the plant by plant-sucking insects. Examples of insects that secrete honeydew include aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, mealy bugs, soft scales and psyllids. Although sooty molds do not cause an infection, they reduce the overall vigor and health of the plant by decreasing the amount of sunlight that penetrates the plant. They also reduce the curb appeal of the trees.

Symptoms: Grey to black mold and the presence of sap-sucking insects on all parts of the plant, including the fruit, stems, leaves and twigs. Ants may also be present as they use the honeydew as a food source. Heavily infested plants may be stunted, and leaves may prematurely senesce (age), die and drop.

Management: Management of sooty mold begins with managing the sap-sucking insect that is producing the honeydew. Information on managing sap-sucking insects on citrus can be found in the LSU AgCenter Insect Management Guide. Depending on the type of insect, beneficial insects that feed on sap-suckers can be released. Ant management is also important for sooty mold management. Horticultural oils, neem oil or insecticidal soap can also be applied to suppress the problem insects. In severe sooty mold cases, use a strong stream of water or soap and water to wash off some of the sooty mold prior to applying insecticides or oils.

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Fruit and Nut Tree Disease Factsheets

Citrus Greening Identification Card

Fire Blight

Citrus Greening Facts

Pecan Bacterial Leaf Scorch

Citrus Scab & Sweet Orange Scab

Pecan Disease Synopsis

Fig Rust

Pecan Scab

Plant Disease Facts-On-Line Series

Fruit and Nut Tree Disease Management Resources
LDAF Quarantine Information Southern Regional IPM Program
LSU AgCenter Plant Disease Management Guide How to scout for the Asian citrus psyllid & greening disease
Pecan Research Station - Plant Pathology Pecan Research & Extension Station-Plant Pathology-




 

9/29/2014 5:00:55 AM
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