Fumagina o negrilla
Sooty mold or black mold: what it is, how it originates, and how to remove it effectively
Bold Or Sooty Mold
Fungal Complex
Pathogen:
Fungus
Type:
Risk to the plant:
INTERMEDIATE
DESCRIPTION
WHO CAUSES IT?
Black sooty mold is caused by a fungal complex that includes several fungi such as Cladosporium spp., Alternaria spp., and Capnodium spp. These fungi develop on the surface of the leaves, branches and fruits of pome fruit trees. Sooty mold does not penetrate plant tissues, but rather establishes itself on the surface thanks to the presence of honeydew excreted by insects such as aphids, mealybugs and whiteflies. During warmer, wetter seasons, the spores of these fungi germinate and form a dense layer of black mycelium that covers the affected parts of the plant. This fungal coating reduces photosynthesis by blocking sunlight and can persist for long periods, especially if sources of honeydew are not eliminated. As honeydew-producing insects proliferate, sooty mold expands, creating a persistent cycle of surface infection.
SYMPTOMS
Sooty mold fungal complex disease primarily affects the appearance and vitality of pome fruit trees. The presence of a black, sticky coating on leaves, branches and fruits reduces photosynthetic efficiency and can interfere with fruit growth and production.
- Leaves covered by a black, sticky layer.
- Reduction of photosynthesis due to light obstruction.
- Fruits with superficial black Taches, which affects their appearance and commercial quality.
- Twigs and shoots with a black coating, which can affect their growth.
- Difficulty in gas exchange and normal plant transpiration.
- Increased susceptibility to other diseases due to plant stress.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
20-30 °C
70-90 %
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Spores carried by the wind, contact with honeydew-producing insects, water droplets, infected plant remains
HOW TO REMOVE IT?
Home remedies
There are no home treatments
Chemical treatments
• SULFUR 80% [WG] P/P
• SULFUR 82.5% [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 37.5% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 38% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 70% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
Authorized treatments in organic farming
• SULFUR 80% [WG] P/P
• SULFUR 82.5% [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 37.5% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 38% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 70% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
Insect allies
PREDATORY MITES
LADYBUGS
LACEWINGS
PARASITIC WASPS
HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES
PREDATORY BUGS
There are no natural allies
Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)
EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE
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- Control populations of insects that produce honeydew, such as aphids, scale insects and whiteflies, through the use of appropriate insecticides or biological controls.
- Maintain good ventilation in the garden through appropriate pruning to reduce humidity and the proliferation of fungi.
- Remove affected parts of the plant and plant debris from the soil to reduce sources of fungal spores.
- Apply specific fungicides to combat sooty mold, making sure to cover the affected areas well.
- Wash the plants with water and insecticidal soap to remove honeydew and surface fungi.
- Implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices to maintain ecological balance and reduce excessive use of pesticides.
- Carry out regular monitoring to detect the presence of molasses and sooty mold early and act quickly.
- Promote the presence of beneficial insects that help control the populations of honeydew-producing insects.
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