Sooty mould : Capnodium sp.

Symptom

• It is a fungal disease developed on honeydew-like excretion secreted by aphids and scale insects.
• The fungus slowly covers the entire leaf area severely affecting the process of photosynthesis.
• This results in reduced translocation of food to the fruits, which leads to reduction in their size.

Management

• Spray starch solution 5% to remove the fungal growth.
• Control insects by spraying systemic insecticides.