Sooty Mould Control in Your Garden

Sooty Moulds are fungal diseases that cover plant leaves, stems and twigs in a black, sooty, and sticky substance. Sooty Mould is a secondary disease caused by sap-sucking insects that excrete a clear sticky residue known as honeydew. Honeydew-producing pests include Aphids, Scale, Mealybugs, Whiteflies, Psyllids, and Leafhoppers.

The Sooty Mould does not directly feed on plants, however, as it covers the leaf surface it blocks out sunlight and reduces photosynthesis which is essential for plant growth.

The best way of getting rid of Sooty Mould is to control the pest that is making it's food source - honeydew.

To control various sap-sucking pests and Sooty Mould on most plants, spray the entire plant with Yates Nature's Way Citrus & Ornamental Spray.

To control Aphids, Mealybug and Whiteflies on various plants, spray plants with Yates Nature's Way Vegie & Herb Concentrate.

Once the pests have been controlled and the honeydew has been depleted, you can wash off the leaves to remove it. Otherwise, a light prune and a good feed will also suffice.

Plants that are under attack from pests may not be getting everything they need to be healthy. Make sure your plants are getting enough water, sunlight and nutrition from organic fertilisers such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improve & Plant Fertiliser.