Sooty MouldHi, my name is: Sooty Mould

Describe yourself: I’m definitely one of the most appropriately named pests and diseases goingaround…I look exactly like black soot or charcoal. Technically, I’m a fungus that feeds on the sweethoneydew left by some sort of sap-sucker (like aphids, scale or mealy bugs), and will follow aninfestation of this kind.

Hobbies: I LOVE making your precious plants really unsightly, covering leaves and even stems in agrey to black soot. I don’t actually harm your plants, and in fact I’m a pretty good indicator thatthere is some other sort of pest issue that needs to be controlled.

Likes: Just about any sort of plant is appealing, but remember, I can’t exist without the deliciousexudates of a sap-sucking critters.

Dislikes: Gardeners who keep pest problems under control and practice good garden hygiene.

You’ll know you’ve met me when: The foliage of your plants looks as though it has been dustedwith charcoal. Sooty mould can feel sticky to touch, and will wipe off fairly easily.

Old School Control Methods: White Oil, Confidor, Pest Oils

Breaking up ain’t hard to do…..if you:

• Remove or treat the honeydew producing insects and the sooty mould will disappear.• Sooty mould can be removed by wiping the affected foliage with a damp cloth. This is onlytemporary and re-infestation will occur if the other pest issues are not treated.• Collect fallen leaves affected by sooty mould and place in bin – DO NOT compost!• Controlling ant populations, who tend the honeydew producing insect, will minimise theopportunity for them and the sooty mould to take residence on your plants. Repel ants by plantingant-repellent plants such as tansy nearby. Check the base of the plants for large ants’ nests; and, iffound, mulch with tansy, and increase regular watering to discourage ants and sooty mould.