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black dust/spots on leaves?

18 years ago

I've looked at some info on mites, and it doesn't sound quite like it. That is, this stuff is on top of the leaves as opposed to underneath. There's a little yellowing, but it doesn't look like the pictures associated with mites. But I've never seen mites, so I wouldn't know.

So, what I have looks a little like dust. It's hard to describe, but it looks like a mineral. It even feels sort of rough. There's a picture in the gallery.

Any i.d. help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Colin

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Comments (4)

kudzu9
18 years ago
Looks like it could be sooty mold, which results from aphid droppings. Hose the leaves off frequently, use insecticidal soap, let some ladybugs loose.
Bellingham
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks Kudzu9,
I looked at info about sooty mold, and I believe you're correct. I had to search really hard to find aphids, but I did manage to find a few. Thanks for the info.
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kudzu9
18 years ago
Colin-
Sometimes aphid infestations wax and wane for no apparent reason (at least to me). You might be looking at the results of a group of aphids that is less populous than when they first caused the problem. The good thing is that sooty mold, of itself, doesn't substantially damage the bamboo...just makes it look crappy. If you try the things I suggested, some of the mold should wash off and the prophylactic measures will minimize the aphids and their droppings in the future. Some species of bamboo seem to be more attractive to these pests than others.
Ron_B
18 years ago
You can also get sooty mold on plants that are being dripped on by nearby, taller plants. The aphids don't have to be on the plants that are sooty.

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