Sooty mold

Period of occurrence

The sooty mold generally occurs during the winter months and continues up to early monsoon.

Identification of the disease

1. The disease appears in the form of a black powdery mass covering the entire upper surface of the leaves.
2. The affected leaves show chlorosis.
3. The tender leaves curl and become boat shape.
4. Presence of adult white flies or their nymph in the garden which suck the sap from tender leaves resulting in chlorosis and leaf curl.
5. The highly infected leaves dry and fall off from the shoot.

             Sooty mold affected plant                        White fly                                        White flies                           Nymph of white flies