HOSTS: All species of trees that are hosts to large populations of aphids, scale, or leafhoppers which produce a sugary substance called honeydew on which sooty mold fungus grows.

DESCRIPTION: Sooty molds vary in appearance from thin, dark patches to irregular, blackish masses covering large areas. They may be found on any of the above ground surfaces of host plants such as trunks, leaves, and upper surfaces of branches.

LIFE CYCLE: Sooty molds are entirely superficial saprophytes that derive nourishment from insect and plant secretions. They do not injure leaves, but can reduce photosynthesis. Spores of sooty mold fungi are dispersed in water during rain. Thus dark fungal deposits often occur on plant parts and on other surfaces not infested by insects.

CONTROLS:

Mechanical: Wash off with soapy water. Repeat applications are necessary.