Black Sooty Mold on Mugo Pines
The mugo pine is a coniferous evergreen with needle leaves that are dark to bright green. Their appearance can be marred by a black fungus called sooty mold. Does this Spark an idea?
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Description
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Black sooty mold is a secondary effect of pest infestation, particularly aphids, white flies, scales and mealybugs. These insects secrete a sticky, sweet substance called honeydew, which coats the leaves and branches of the mugo pine. This provides a medium for sooty mold fungus.
Transmission
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Sooty-mold fungal spores are carried by the wind and land on the honeydew. They produce fungal strands that cover the leaf, leaving a black appearance.
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Effect
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The mold doesn't invade the plant; it simply covers the surface of the leaves. This blocks sunlight from penetrating the plant tissue, which results in a reduced capacity of the mugo pine to produce food. In severe cases, this causes plant death.
Prevention
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Reducing insect populations around the mugo pine will reduce the presence of black sooty mold. Monitor nearby plants for presence of honeydew-producing insects and eliminate them with insecticides.
Treatment
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Black sooty mold can be washed off the mugo pine with water.
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