Botanical name
Ascomycete fungi
Common name
Sooty Mould
Sooty Mould identification
These fungi look exactly like they sound… dry, black, powdery; exactly like soot.
When a plant is attacked by sap sucking insects such as aphids, mealy bugs and scales, honeydew is produced. Sooty Moulds grow in this honeydew, forming an unsightly black ‘dusty’ build up in the area. Quite often you’ll find ants present on the plant as well (also vying for the honeydew).
Damage caused
Sooty Moulds generally don’t cause actual damage to the affected plant (although the plant certainly won’t be thriving due to reduced light), it’s an aesthetics problem here. Fruit looks spoiled and ornamentals look sick and diseased.
On the plus side, this fungi is a great indicator that something else is attacking the plant, indicating that you need to take a much closer look.
Plants attacked
It can be commonly seen on Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias and citrus plants. No plant is immune from Sooty Mould though.
Organic pest control
The key to ridding a plant of Sooty Mould is to remove the pest that is causing the honeydew secretion. Once these insects are gone and the honeydew stops flowing, Sooty Mould no longer has somewhere to thrive. The ants will also bid you farewell.
Existing Sooty Mould will dry up and flake away. It can also be washed off.
