Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet EditionCitrus sooty blotch (316)
Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet EditionCitrus sooty blotch (316)
Summary
- Widespread distribution. Citrus species. A "cosmetic" disease. Fungal spots on fruit and leaves; on fruit, unsightly and affects quality. Unlikely to reduce yield unless severe on leaves and blocks sunlight.
- Spots, black, circular, on upper and lower surfaces, up to 5 mm diameter. More spots on densely shaded trees.
- Spores from the black spots spread by wind during wet or humid weather.
- Cultural control: prune trees after main harvest removing unhealthy, unwanted and poorly positioned branches, and to improve air movement so that leaves and fruit dry faster; avoid shade of taller trees.
- Chemical control: use horticultural oil. Try also white oil, or soap solution (see Fact Sheet no. 56).
Common Name
Citrus sooty blotch, black mould, black mildew
Scientific Name
Meliola citricola
AUTHORS Grahame Jackson & Eric McKenzie
Photos 1&2 (taken by Eric McKenzie), and used in this fact sheet, appeared previously in McKenzie E (2013) Meliola citricola PaDIL - https://www.padil.gov.au.
Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
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