1. Sooty
Sooty
Mold
Mold
Environmental Protection Department
Environmental Protection Department
Air Quality Division
Air Quality Division
Ambient Monitoring Section
Ambient Monitoring Section

2. What is it?
What is it?
„ Residents of several cities in
Broward county have
complained of finding a
dark, sooty material on
surfaces in their yards, such
as picnic tables, leaves, and
cars.
„ The residents were
concerned that the material
was from anthropogenic
sources, specifically,
airplane or vehicular
emissions.
Broward County EPD/AQD
Broward County EPD/AQD

3. Purposes of studies performed by
Purposes of studies performed by
the Air Quality Division
the Air Quality Division
„ To determine if the material in question is of
anthropogenic origin.
„ To determine the source of the material.
„ To assuage the concerns of the residents in
affected areas.

4. Collecting Samples for Microscopic
Collecting Samples for Microscopic
Analysis
Analysis
„
„ Collection of affected biota/material in clean
Collection of affected biota/material in clean
plastic baggies.
plastic baggies.
„
„ Collection of material by scraping a sample it off
Collection of material by scraping a sample it off
the affected surface into a clean Petri dish.
the affected surface into a clean Petri dish.
„
„ Collection of material with an evidence vacuum
Collection of material with an evidence vacuum
sweeper.
sweeper.
Sirchie
Evidence Vacuum Sweeper

5. Microscopes used for Particle
Microscopes used for Particle
Identification
Identification
Polarized Light
Microscope
Olympus BH2
Stereomicroscope
Olympus SZ III-TR
Broward County EPD/AQD
Broward County EPD/AQD

6. Stereomicroscope Images of Sooty
Stereomicroscope Images of Sooty
Material
Material
Broward County EPD/AQD
Broward County EPD/AQD
Broward County EPD/AQD
Broward County EPD/AQD

7. PLM Images of Sooty Material
PLM Images of Sooty Material
Broward County EPD/AQD Broward County EPD/AQD
Broward County EPD/AQD
Broward County EPD/AQD

8. Sooty Mold
Sooty Mold
„
„ The material was identified as sooty mold.
The material was identified as sooty mold.
„
„ Sooty mold is a black coating of fungal
Sooty mold is a black coating of fungal
growth on leaves, branches, and fruit.
growth on leaves, branches, and fruit.
„
„ The fungus is usually powdery and dark
The fungus is usually powdery and dark
colored, hence the name
colored, hence the name -
- sooty mold.
sooty mold.
„
„ The fungi associated with this condition are
The fungi associated with this condition are
do not feed on live plant tissue, but rather
do not feed on live plant tissue, but rather
on insect secretions with a high content of
on insect secretions with a high content of
sugars (honeydew).
sugars (honeydew).
„
„ If the honeydew is light, the mold may
If the honeydew is light, the mold may
appear only in spots.
appear only in spots.
„
„ As a general rule, sooty mold can usually
As a general rule, sooty mold can usually
be rubbed off easily from the surface of
be rubbed off easily from the surface of
leaves, fruit, or branches.
leaves, fruit, or branches.
„
„ After some time, the fungus may dry
After some time, the fungus may dry-
-off,
off,
become flaky, and fall off.
become flaky, and fall off.
„
„ Generally, the amount of sooty mold will
Generally, the amount of sooty mold will
decrease if the insect population decreases.
decrease if the insect population decreases.
„
„ If no insects are present to cause a re
If no insects are present to cause a re-
-
infestation, rains will usually wash off most
infestation, rains will usually wash off most
of the sooty mold.
of the sooty mold.
„
„ There are two types of sooty mold.
There are two types of sooty mold.
–
– A deciduous growth
A deciduous growth on leaves, which lasts
on leaves, which lasts
for the life of the leaf.
for the life of the leaf.
–
– A persistent growth
A persistent growth on stems and twigs of
on stems and twigs of
woody plants, and on human
woody plants, and on human-
-made
made
structures
structures
Used with permission from Kessler, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, How to Recognize Sooty Mold (reference no. 1).
Microscopic image of sooty mold.
Sooty mold on a man-made structure.

9. Chemical Analysis of Sample
Chemical Analysis of Sample
„
„ To make certain the material was correctly identified as sooty m
To make certain the material was correctly identified as sooty mold and no anthropogenic
old and no anthropogenic
emissions were present, the material was analyzed by GC/FID.
emissions were present, the material was analyzed by GC/FID.
„
„ Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID)
Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID) is used in the
is used in the
identification of organic compounds. Standards and samples are
identification of organic compounds. Standards and samples are run on the instrument with
run on the instrument with
the same settings.
the same settings.
„
„ Identification and quantification of the materials are made by c
Identification and quantification of the materials are made by comparing the standard and
omparing the standard and
sample spectra.
sample spectra.
Broward County EPD/EMD

10. Results of GC/FID Analysis of Sooty Material
Results of GC/FID Analysis of Sooty Material
„
„ Several organic fuel and
Several organic fuel and
solvent standards were
solvent standards were
analyzed:
analyzed:
ƒ
ƒ Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel
ƒ
ƒ Jet fuel
Jet fuel
ƒ
ƒ Kerosene
Kerosene
ƒ
ƒ Mineral spirits
Mineral spirits
ƒ
ƒ Unleaded gasoline
Unleaded gasoline
„
„ The material on found on
The material on found on
various plants in Broward
various plants in Broward
County was sooty mold
County was sooty mold
and no evidence of any
and no evidence of any
hydrocarbon
hydrocarbon-
-based fuels
based fuels
was found in the samples.
was found in the samples.
Broward County EPD/Environmental Monitoring Division (EMD)
GC/FID Analysis results.

11. Conclusions
Conclusions
„ Based upon the microscopic observations, all the samples collected from
plants contain sooty mold on their surfaces. Although the extent of
coverage and insects present varied among the different samples analyzed.
„ The possibility of the substance being a petroleum based-fuel from the Ft.
Lauderdale Executive Airport is not likely, as demonstrated by the analysis
of the sample by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector.
„ Additionally, despite the different varieties of plants present on the
complainants’ properties, the black substance was only present on certain
plants. Some plants were not affected at all by the material. If this were
truly an inert substance such as combustion emissions, it would be on
nearly everything in the yard not certain plants only.

12. Additional Information on
Additional Information on
Sooty Mold
Sooty Mold
Identification, Causes, and
Identification, Causes, and
More
More…
…

13. The Symptoms of Sooty Mold
The Symptoms of Sooty Mold
„
„ The presence of a black, soot
The presence of a black, soot-
-like
like
fungus, frequently appearing as a
fungus, frequently appearing as a
thin crust over the surface of
thin crust over the surface of
leaves, is the best indicator of this
leaves, is the best indicator of this
problem.
problem.
„
„ Some species of sooty molds
Some species of sooty molds
grow as a thick, spongy mass that
grow as a thick, spongy mass that
encases the needles of conifers or
encases the needles of conifers or
the twigs of deciduous trees.
the twigs of deciduous trees.
„
„ Insect activity may or may not be
Insect activity may or may not be
apparent.
apparent.
„
„ Sooty molds may persist long
Sooty molds may persist long
after the insects themselves have
after the insects themselves have
disappeared.
disappeared.
Used with permission from the Virginia Tech, Virginia
Cooperative Extension (reference no. 3).
Used with permission from University of California,
Statewide IPM Project (reference no. 2)
(Photo by : M.A. Hansen, Virginia
Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech)
(Photo by : Jack Kelly Clark, UC
Statewide IPM Project)

14. The Effects of Sooty Mold on Plants
The Effects of Sooty Mold on Plants
„
„ Since sooty molds are not parasitic organisms
Since sooty molds are not parasitic organisms
and do not penetrate the plant tissue, there is
and do not penetrate the plant tissue, there is
no direct injury to the plant from the sooty
no direct injury to the plant from the sooty
mold.
mold.
„
„ Severely affected plants may be yellowed and
Severely affected plants may be yellowed and
suffer defoliation from the combined effects
suffer defoliation from the combined effects
of insect feeding and the reduction in
of insect feeding and the reduction in
photosynthesis that results from the blockage
photosynthesis that results from the blockage
of sunlight by the fungus.
of sunlight by the fungus.
„
„ Fruits or vegetables covered with sooty molds
Fruits or vegetables covered with sooty molds
are edible after removal of the mold with a
are edible after removal of the mold with a
solution of mild soap and warm water.
solution of mild soap and warm water.
„
„ Although sooty mold usually does not cause
Although sooty mold usually does not cause
dieback or mortality, the insect feeding which
dieback or mortality, the insect feeding which
attracted the sooty mold infestation may have
attracted the sooty mold infestation may have
been severe enough to weaken or kill portions
been severe enough to weaken or kill portions
of infested plants.
of infested plants.
–
– Pruning out dead and dying branches helps
Pruning out dead and dying branches helps
prevent infection by secondary pathogens.
prevent infection by secondary pathogens.
Used with permission from Texas A & M University, Texas
Cooperative Extension (reference no. 4 ).
Used with permission from Texas A & M University, Agricultural
Extension Services – Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Page
(reference no. 5).
(Photo by: Pete Timmer and Mike Davis, Texas A& M
University Citrus Center, Weslaco, Texas)
(Photo by: Bart Drees, Texas A& M University /
Agricultural Extension Services - IPM)

15. The Link Between Insects
The Link Between Insects
and Sooty Mold
and Sooty Mold
„
„ Although a few
Although a few
sooty mold fungi
sooty mold fungi
grow on plant
grow on plant
substances exuded
substances exuded
by the leaves,
by the leaves,
most grow on the
most grow on the
honeydew
honeydew
produced by
produced by
certain sucking
certain sucking
insects.
insects.
„
„ Especially
Especially
important are:
important are:
–
– Whitefiles
Whitefiles
–
– Aphids
Aphids
–
– Mealy Bugs
Mealy Bugs
–
– Scale Insects
Scale Insects
Whiteflies Aphids
Mealybugs Scale Insects
Used with permission from University of California, Statewide IPM
Program (reference no. 2).
(All photos by Jack Kelly Clark, UC Statewide IPM Project)

16. Whiteflies
Whiteflies
„
„ Whiteflies are tiny (about 1/16 of
Whiteflies are tiny (about 1/16 of
an inch in length), white moth
an inch in length), white moth-
-like
like
insects.
insects.
„
„ Both adult and nymph stages feed
Both adult and nymph stages feed
by sucking plant juices.
by sucking plant juices.
–
– Heavy feeding can give plants a
Heavy feeding can give plants a
mottled look, cause yellowing,
mottled look, cause yellowing,
and may eventually cause death to
and may eventually cause death to
the host plant.
the host plant.
„
„ Common species of whiteflies are:
Common species of whiteflies are:
–
– greenhouse,
greenhouse,
–
– silverleaf
silverleaf.,
.,
–
– sweet potato, and
sweet potato, and
–
– banded wing,
banded wing,
„
„ Whiteflies attack a wide variety of
Whiteflies attack a wide variety of
plants including bedding plants,
plants including bedding plants,
cotton, strawberries, vegetables,
cotton, strawberries, vegetables,
and poinsettias.
and poinsettias.
„
„ Whiteflies are difficult to control.
Whiteflies are difficult to control.
–
– Chemical control programs often
Chemical control programs often
have limited success.
have limited success.
–
– The egg and pupa stages are
The egg and pupa stages are
tolerant of most insecticides.
tolerant of most insecticides.
–
– Whiteflies cling to the undersides
Whiteflies cling to the undersides
of leaves, making them difficult to
of leaves, making them difficult to
reach with chemicals
reach with chemicals or oil
or oil
sprays.
sprays.
Silberleaf
Sweet Potato
Banded wing
Greenhouse
Used with permission from University of California Statewide IPM)
Program (reference no. 2) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Whitefly Database (reference no. 6).
(All photos by Jack
Kelly Clark, UC
Statewide IPM
Project)

17. Aphids
Aphids
„
„ Aphids are soft
Aphids are soft-
-bodied insects with piercing
bodied insects with piercing
sucking mouthparts that feed on plant sap.
sucking mouthparts that feed on plant sap.
„
„ Aphids usually occur in colonies on the
Aphids usually occur in colonies on the
undersides of tender new growth.
undersides of tender new growth.
–
– Heavily
Heavily-
-infested leaves can wilt or turn
infested leaves can wilt or turn
yellow because of excessive sap removal.
yellow because of excessive sap removal.
–
– Aphid
Aphid-
-feeding generally will not seriously
feeding generally will not seriously
harm healthy, established trees and shrubs.
harm healthy, established trees and shrubs.
–
– Some plants are very sensitive to feeding by
Some plants are very sensitive to feeding by
certain aphid species and can become
certain aphid species and can become
severely distorted, even if only a few aphids
severely distorted, even if only a few aphids
are present.
are present.
–
– Feeding on flower buds and fruit can cause
Feeding on flower buds and fruit can cause
malformed flowers or fruit.
malformed flowers or fruit.
„
„ Aphids produce large amounts of honeydew.
Aphids produce large amounts of honeydew.
Used with permission from the University of
Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences (IFAS) Extension Ornamental
Insect Sheet 2 (reference no. 7).
(Photo by : J.L. Castner, Department
of Entomology and Nematology,
IFAS, University of Florida)

18. Mealybugs
Mealybugs
„
„ Soft
Soft-
-bodied insects about 1/8"
bodied insects about 1/8"
long.
long.
„
„ White to pinkish
White to pinkish-
-white in color.
white in color.
„
„ Several pairs of legs.
Several pairs of legs.
„
„ A mealy bug
A mealy bug’
’s body is covered
s body is covered
with a waxy substance making
with a waxy substance making
chemical control difficult.
chemical control difficult.
„
„ Mealybugs tend to hide out in the
Mealybugs tend to hide out in the
tight crevasses of the plant nodes.
tight crevasses of the plant nodes.
„
„ Nearly any foliage plant can be
Nearly any foliage plant can be
susceptible to this insect.
susceptible to this insect.
„
„ Mealybugs are hatched from
Mealybugs are hatched from
eggs.
eggs.
–
– A female mealy bug can lay up
A female mealy bug can lay up
to 300 eggs with or without a
to 300 eggs with or without a
male.
male.
–
– Nymphs or crawlers mature in
Nymphs or crawlers mature in
about 2 weeks.
about 2 weeks.
Used with permission from the University of
Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences (IFAS) Extension Ornamental
Insect Sheet 2 (reference no. 7).
Used with permission from the University of Florida, Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension Pink Hibiscus Mealybug,
Maconellicoccus hirsutus (reference no. 8) and by photographer.
Freshly-laid eggs and adult male. (Photos by :Marshall Johnson, Department of Entomology,
University of California, Riverside)
Adult female and offspring (Photo by :Marshall Johnson, Department of Entomology,
University of California, Riverside)
(Photo by : J.L. Castner, Department
of Entomology and Nematology,
IFAS, University of Florida)

19. Scale Insects
Scale Insects
„
„ Scale insects have piercing, sucking
Scale insects have piercing, sucking
mouthparts.
mouthparts.
„
„ Feeding by scale insects weakens
Feeding by scale insects weakens
and may kill plants.
and may kill plants.
„
„ Scale insects are classified as being
Scale insects are classified as being
either armored or soft scale insects.
either armored or soft scale insects.
–
– Soft scales produce honeydew.
Soft scales produce honeydew.
–
– Armored scales do not produce
Armored scales do not produce
honeydew.
honeydew.
„
„ The developmental stages of scale
The developmental stages of scale
insects are:
insects are:
–
– egg (or live nymph),
egg (or live nymph),
–
– nymph (females, three instars;
nymph (females, three instars;
males, five instars), and
males, five instars), and
–
– adult.
adult.
„
„ Scale insect development from egg
Scale insect development from egg
to adult is:
to adult is:
–
– about 60 days for soft scales, and
about 60 days for soft scales, and
–
– about 180 days for armored scales,
about 180 days for armored scales,
but can vary widely with individual
but can vary widely with individual
species.
species.
„
„ Adult males do not look like
Adult males do not look like
females, but rather resemble small
females, but rather resemble small
midge
midge-
-like insects.
like insects.
„
„ Females of some species reproduce
Females of some species reproduce
without mating (parthenogenesis).
without mating (parthenogenesis).
Caribbean black scale Florida Wax Scale
Purple Scale
Florida red scale on fruit
Used with permission from the University of Florida, Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension A Guide to Scale Insect
Identification (reference no. 9).
Soft Scales
Armored Scales

20. Managing Sooty Mold
Managing Sooty Mold
„
„ Most plants will tolerate a small insect population and light am
Most plants will tolerate a small insect population and light amounts of sooty mold.
ounts of sooty mold.
„
„ Control of sooty molds begins with management of the insects cre
Control of sooty molds begins with management of the insects creating the honeydew.
ating the honeydew.
–
– In some situations they can be dislodged with a strong stream of
In some situations they can be dislodged with a strong stream of water.
water.
–
– Fertilizing and watering to keep plants healthy but not excessiv
Fertilizing and watering to keep plants healthy but not excessively vigorous also helps.
ely vigorous also helps.
„
„ Ant management is an important consideration in managing sooty m
Ant management is an important consideration in managing sooty mold.
old.
–
– Ants are attracted to and use honeydew as a source of food.
Ants are attracted to and use honeydew as a source of food.
–
– Because of this, they will protect honeydew
Because of this, they will protect honeydew-
-producing insects from predators and parasites in order to
producing insects from predators and parasites in order to
harvest the honeydew.
harvest the honeydew.
–
– Keep ants out of trees and away from honeydew
Keep ants out of trees and away from honeydew-
-producing insects by applying a sticky compound
producing insects by applying a sticky compound
around the trunk and trimming limbs touching buildings or other
around the trunk and trimming limbs touching buildings or other access points.
access points.
–
– Baits, such as ant stakes placed under trees and shrubs, may hel
Baits, such as ant stakes placed under trees and shrubs, may help reduce ant foraging in some cases.
p reduce ant foraging in some cases.
–
– In many cases, predators and parasites are sufficiently abundant
In many cases, predators and parasites are sufficiently abundant and quickly begin feeding on and
and quickly begin feeding on and
reducing populations of scale insects, aphids, whiteflies, or
reducing populations of scale insects, aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs
mealybugs once ants have been
once ants have been
eliminated.
eliminated.
„
„ If populations fail to decline, apply horticultural oils or inse
If populations fail to decline, apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soap to suppress the
cticidal soap to suppress the
problem insects. One or more applications may be needed.
problem insects. One or more applications may be needed.
„
„ Sometimes prudent pruning can be helpful in removing most of the
Sometimes prudent pruning can be helpful in removing most of the infested plant parts.
infested plant parts.
„
„ Once the honeydew
Once the honeydew-
-producing insects are suppressed, sooty molds will gradually wea
producing insects are suppressed, sooty molds will gradually weather
ther
away.
away.

21. A New South Florida Pest:
A New South Florida Pest:
The Lobate Lac Scale
The Lobate Lac Scale
„
„ Scientific name: Paratachardina
Scientific name: Paratachardina
lobata
lobata lobata
lobata
„
„ First collected in Florida on August
First collected in Florida on August
25
25th
th 1999.
1999.
„
„ Native to India and Sri Lanka.
Native to India and Sri Lanka.
„
„ Pest to several tropical and
Pest to several tropical and
subtropical fruits and ornamentals
subtropical fruits and ornamentals
–
– Including hibiscus, coco plum,
Including hibiscus, coco plum,
black olive, weeping fig, wax
black olive, weeping fig, wax
myrtle, buttonwood, sand live
myrtle, buttonwood, sand live
oak, and fichus
oak, and fichus
„
„ P.
P. lobata
lobata lobata
lobata is difficult to control.
is difficult to control.
„ It is the pest largely responsible for
the sooty mold on the large fichuses
in this area.
Used with permission from the Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida State College
of Arthropods, Division of Plant Industry (FSCA-DPI)
(reference no. 10)
Hole through which
honeydew is ejected.

22. The Lac Scale Family:
The Lac Scale Family: Kerriidae
Kerriidae
„
„ Best
Best-
-known species:
known species: Kerria
Kerria lacca
lacca
lacca
lacca
–
– These true
These true lac
lac scale insects have
scale insects have
been utilized for centuries in
been utilized for centuries in
making lacquer.
making lacquer.
„
„ Most species of the family,
Most species of the family,
including
including P.
P. lobata
lobata lobata
lobata, do not
, do not
produce any material of known
produce any material of known
commercial value.
commercial value.
„
„ No species of
No species of Kerriidae
Kerriidae is native to
is native to
Florida and adjacent land areas.
Florida and adjacent land areas.
„
„ The
The Kerriidae
Kerriidae is confined mostly
is confined mostly
to the tropics.
to the tropics.
„
„ The majority of the species of this
The majority of the species of this
family of scales are distributed in
family of scales are distributed in
the eastern hemisphere.
the eastern hemisphere.
Used with permission from the University of Florida,
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
Extension, Lobate Lac Scale, Paratachardina lobata
lobata (Chamberlin)(Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha:
Coccoidea: Kerriidae (reference no. 11).
(Photo by : F.W. Howard, University of Florida)

23. Appearance of the Lobate Lac Scale
Appearance of the Lobate Lac Scale
„
„ Mature females are 1.5 to 2 mm long and
Mature females are 1.5 to 2 mm long and
about the same width.
about the same width.
„
„ The body has two pair of prominent lobes
The body has two pair of prominent lobes
giving the body a unique x
giving the body a unique x-
-shaped
shaped
appearance.
appearance.
„
„ As the scale matures, individuals tend to
As the scale matures, individuals tend to
merge and may loose this distinctive shape.
merge and may loose this distinctive shape.
„
„ The outer covering is very hard, glossy, and
The outer covering is very hard, glossy, and
dark reddish
dark reddish-
-brown.
brown.
„
„ Coloring may appear black because of the
Coloring may appear black because of the
coating of sooty mold.
coating of sooty mold.
„
„ The first instars (crawlers) are elongate
The first instars (crawlers) are elongate-
-oval,
oval,
deep red, and about 0.2 mm long.
deep red, and about 0.2 mm long.
„
„ The characteristic lobate pattern develops in
The characteristic lobate pattern develops in
the second instar.
the second instar.
„
„ The second instar female presumably molts to
The second instar female presumably molts to
the adult female as in other scale insects.
the adult female as in other scale insects.
„
„ Males of this species have not been observed
Males of this species have not been observed
in Florida.
in Florida.
First Instar (Crawler)
Adult Females
(Photos by :
F.W.
Howard,
University
of Florida)
Used with permission from the University of Florida,
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
Extension, Lobate Lac Scale, Paratachardina lobata
lobata (Chamberlin)(Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha:
Coccoidea: Kerriidae (reference no. 11).

24. Host Plants of the Lobate Lac Scale in
Host Plants of the Lobate Lac Scale in
Florida
Florida
„
„ Lobate Lac Scales
Lobate Lac Scales
have primarily
have primarily
been found on
been found on
woody
woody
dicotyledonous
dicotyledonous
plants, but have
plants, but have
also been found on
also been found on
one coniferous
one coniferous
species (southern
species (southern
red cedar) and on a
red cedar) and on a
palm (Phoenix
palm (Phoenix
roebele
roebele).
).
„
„ As of October
As of October
2002, more than
2002, more than
120 species in 44
120 species in 44
families of woody
families of woody
plants have been
plants have been
determined to be
determined to be
hosts of
hosts of P.
P. lobata
lobata
lobata
lobata in Florida
in Florida
„
„ These include 39
These include 39
plant species
plant species
native to Florida
native to Florida
(see adjacent
(see adjacent
table).
table).
Florida
Florida trema
trema (
(guacimilla
guacimilla)
)
wild
wild-
-dilly
dilly
satinleaf
satinleaf
coastal plains willow
coastal plains willow
wild
wild-
-tamarind
tamarind
cocoplum
cocoplum
live Oak
live Oak
pepperleaf
pepperleaf sweetwood
sweetwood
sugarberry
sugarberry
laurel Oak
laurel Oak
black ironwood
black ironwood
Jamaica caper tree
Jamaica caper tree
sand live oak
sand live oak
southern red cedar
southern red cedar
myrtle
myrtle-
-of
of-
-the
the-
-river
river
wild
wild-
-coffee (
coffee (Psychotria
Psychotria nervosa
nervosa
Swartz (
Swartz (Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae))
))
yaupon holly
yaupon holly
spicewood
spicewood
wild
wild-
-coffee (
coffee (Psychotria
Psychotria ligustrifolia
ligustrifolia
(Northrop)
(Northrop) Millspaugh
Millspaugh (
(Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae))
))
strangler fig
strangler fig
gumbo
gumbo-
-limbo (
limbo (alm
almá
ácigo
cigo)
)
red bay
red bay
inkwood
inkwood
saffron plum
saffron plum
Virginia
Virginia-
-creeper
creeper
redberry
redberry stopper
stopper
groundsel
groundsel-
-tree
tree
lancewood
lancewood
white stopper
white stopper euginia
euginia
saltbush
saltbush
myrsine
myrsine (
(rapanea
rapanea)
)
willow
willow bustic
bustic
marlberry
marlberry
wax
wax-
-mertyl
mertyl (Southern bayberry)
(Southern bayberry)
buttonwood (mangle
buttonwood (mangle
bot
botó
ón
n)
)
pond
pond-
-apple
apple
false
false-
-mastic
mastic
pitch
pitch-
-apple (
apple (cupey
cupey)
)
red maple
red maple

25. Hosts Highly Susceptible to the Lobate Lac Scale
Hosts Highly Susceptible to the Lobate Lac Scale
„
„ On highly susceptible hosts, the Lobate
On highly susceptible hosts, the Lobate
Lac Scale insects crowd on twigs and
Lac Scale insects crowd on twigs and
branches of trees or shrubs forming a
branches of trees or shrubs forming a
contiguous mass that appears as a dark,
contiguous mass that appears as a dark,
lumpy crust.
lumpy crust.
„
„ Sooty mold covers the branches, the
Sooty mold covers the branches, the
insects themselves, and occurs in patches
insects themselves, and occurs in patches
on the foliage.
on the foliage.
„
„ Dense infestations are associated with
Dense infestations are associated with
branch dieback of some plant species and
branch dieback of some plant species and
in severe cases, highly infested shrubs
in severe cases, highly infested shrubs
and small trees have died.
and small trees have died.
„
„ Certain native species appear to be
Certain native species appear to be
highly susceptible:
highly susceptible:
–
– wax
wax-
-myrtle, cocoplum, buttonwood,
myrtle, cocoplum, buttonwood,
strangler
strangler-
-fig,
fig, myrsine
myrsine, red bay, and wild
, red bay, and wild-
-
coffee
coffee
„
„ Certain popular exotic ornamental plants
Certain popular exotic ornamental plants
also appear to be highly susceptible:
also appear to be highly susceptible:
–
– black
black-
-olive, Indian laurel, Benjamin fig,
olive, Indian laurel, Benjamin fig,
and fruit trees (e.g.,
and fruit trees (e.g., lychee
lychee, mango, and
, mango, and
star
star-
-fruit)
fruit)
(Photo by : F.W. Howard, University of Florida)
Used with permission from the University of
Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences (IFAS) Extension, Lobate Lac Scale,
Paratachardina lobata lobata
(Chamberlin)(Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha:
Coccoidea: Kerriidae (reference no. 11).

26. Spread of Lobate Lac Scale
Spread of Lobate Lac Scale
„
„ Since the mature females of scale
Since the mature females of scale
insects are wingless, they play no role
insects are wingless, they play no role
in the dispersal of populations to
in the dispersal of populations to
occupy new host plants.
occupy new host plants.
„
„ Scale insects rely mostly on passive
Scale insects rely mostly on passive
dispersal of the crawler stage via air
dispersal of the crawler stage via air
currents.
currents.
„
„ A key factor in spreading scale insect
A key factor in spreading scale insect
pests in urban areas is the movement
pests in urban areas is the movement
of infested host plants from one
of infested host plants from one
location to another.
location to another.
„
„ Melaleuca serves as a good host for
Melaleuca serves as a good host for
the Lobate Lac Scale. Infested trees
the Lobate Lac Scale. Infested trees
can act as breeding grounds where
can act as breeding grounds where
large numbers of larvae are free to
large numbers of larvae are free to
spread onto native and non
spread onto native and non-
-native
native
trees and plants.
trees and plants.
From the TAME Melaluca website: http://tame.ifas.ufl.edu

27. Managing Lobate Lac Scale
Managing Lobate Lac Scale –
–
The Difficult Task Ahead
The Difficult Task Ahead
„
„ The Lobate Lac Scale has rapidly become a major pest in
The Lobate Lac Scale has rapidly become a major pest in
southeastern Florida.
southeastern Florida.
„
„ There is no evidence that this scale insect species has natural
There is no evidence that this scale insect species has natural
enemies in Florida.
enemies in Florida.
„
„ Studies are being conducted to test horticultural oils and
Studies are being conducted to test horticultural oils and
additional chemical control methods.
additional chemical control methods.
„
„ Because it is predicted that with time a very large percentage o
Because it is predicted that with time a very large percentage of
f
trees and shrubs in both the urban and natural areas of Florida
trees and shrubs in both the urban and natural areas of Florida
will become infested with this scale insect, biological control
will become infested with this scale insect, biological control is
is
being investigated as the only viable option for control in the
being investigated as the only viable option for control in the
long term.
long term.
„
„ The United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture –
– Agricultural
Agricultural
Research Service
Research Service’
’s
s Invasive Plant Research Laboratory
Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in
in
Davie, Florida is conducting extensive research on this scale
Davie, Florida is conducting extensive research on this scale
insect.
insect.

28. References
1.
1. Kenneth J. Kessler, Principal Plant Pathologist. U.S. Departmen
Kenneth J. Kessler, Principal Plant Pathologist. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station
t of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station,
, How to
How to
Recognize Sooty Mold, 1992
Recognize Sooty Mold, 1992.
.
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_sooty/ht_sooty.htm
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_sooty/ht_sooty.htm
2.
2. F.F.
F.F. Laemmlen
Laemmlen, University of California, Cooperative
, University of California, Cooperative Extenion
Extenion, Santa Barbara Co.,
, Santa Barbara Co., Pest Notes: Sooty Mold
Pest Notes: Sooty Mold, UC ANR Publication 74108, 2003.
, UC ANR Publication 74108, 2003.
http://axp.ipm.ucdavis,edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74801.html
http://axp.ipm.ucdavis,edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74801.html
3.
3. Mary Ann Hansen and Eric Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
Mary Ann Hansen and Eric Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension,
State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Plant Disease Fact Sheet,
Plant Disease Fact Sheet,
Sooty Mold of Conifers and Hardwoods
Sooty Mold of Conifers and Hardwoods, Publication No. 450
, Publication No. 450-
-618W, 2000.
618W, 2000.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/plantdiseasefs/450
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/plantdiseasefs/450-
-618/450
618/450-
-618.html
618.html
4.
4. Jose M. Amador, Extension Plant Pathologist, Texas A& M Universi
Jose M. Amador, Extension Plant Pathologist, Texas A& M University System, Texas Agricultural Extension Service,
ty System, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Diseases Affecting
Diseases Affecting
Localized Parts of Trees
Localized Parts of Trees
http://aggie
http://aggie-
-horticulture.tamu.edu/citrus/l2315.htm
horticulture.tamu.edu/citrus/l2315.htm
5.
5. Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, Texas A & M University
Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, Texas A & M University System, College Station, Texas, Texas Agricultural Extension Se
System, College Station, Texas, Texas Agricultural Extension Service,
rvice,
Departments of Entomology and Horticultural Sciences,
Departments of Entomology and Horticultural Sciences, Pest Profiles: Aphids
Pest Profiles: Aphids.
.
http://hortipm.tamu.edu/pestprofiles/sucking/bartaphid/bartaphid
http://hortipm.tamu.edu/pestprofiles/sucking/bartaphid/bartaphid.html
.html
6.
6. U.S. Department of Agriculture,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Whitefly Knowledgebase
Whitefly Knowledgebase (Developed at the University of Florida in cooperation with sci
(Developed at the University of Florida in cooperation with scientists at Texas A&M
entists at Texas A&M
University, the University of California, and Cotton Incorporate
University, the University of California, and Cotton Incorporated), 1995.
d), 1995.
http://
http://whiteflies.ifas.ufl.edu
whiteflies.ifas.ufl.edu
7. D. E. Short and J. L. Castner, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension, Ornamental Insect Sheet 2,
Document SP125, 1992.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_IN024
8. M.A. Hoy, A. Hamon, and R. Nguyen, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension, Pink Hibiscus
Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), Document EENY-029, 2002.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN156
9. S. H. Futch, C. W. McCoy, and C. C. Childers, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension, A Guide to
Scale Insect Identification, Document HS-817, 2001.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CH195
10. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida State College of Athropods, Division of Plant Industry (FSCA-DPI)
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/paratachardina.html
11. F. H. Howard, R. Pemberton, A. Hamon, G. S. Hodges, B. Steinberg, C.M. Mannion, D. McLean, and J. Wofford, University of Florida, Institute
of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Extension, Lobate Lac Scale, Paratachardina lobata lobata (Chamberlin)(Hemiptera:
Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Kerriidae, Document EENY-276, 2002.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN471
12.
12. L. Williams, Department of Horticulture, Okaloosa County Coopera
L. Williams, Department of Horticulture, Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida,
tive Extension Service, University of Florida, Sooty Mold: Control Sooty
Sooty Mold: Control Sooty
Mold on Plants by Stopping it Before it Starts
Mold on Plants by Stopping it Before it Starts, 2002.
, 2002.
http://okaloosa.ifas.ufl.edu/sootymold.html
http://okaloosa.ifas.ufl.edu/sootymold.html

29. References (Continued)
13.
13. W. C.
W. C. McCrone
McCrone and J. G.
and J. G. Delly
Delly,
, The Particle Atlas: An Encyclopedia of Techniques for Small Par
The Particle Atlas: An Encyclopedia of Techniques for Small Particle Identification, Edition Two
ticle Identification, Edition Two, Ann Arbor
, Ann Arbor
Science Publishers, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI, 1973.
Science Publishers, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI, 1973.
14.
14. S.C.E.P.M.A.B., S.C.C.E.S. AND S.C.M.C.D., University of Florida
S.C.E.P.M.A.B., S.C.C.E.S. AND S.C.M.C.D., University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension,
, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension, What
What’
’s
s
Bugging Me?
Bugging Me?-
- A Guide for Environmental Landscape Pest Control by Homeowners
A Guide for Environmental Landscape Pest Control by Homeowners, Document ENY292, 1997.
, Document ENY292, 1997.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/In043
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/In043
15.
15. Karen L.
Karen L. Snover
Snover, Director, Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic at Cornell Universit
, Director, Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic at Cornell University,
y, Sooty Mold
Sooty Mold
http://www.plantclinic.cornel.edu/FactSheets/sooty/sootymold.htm
http://www.plantclinic.cornel.edu/FactSheets/sooty/sootymold.htm
16.
16. Stephen
Stephen Nameth
Nameth, Jim Chatfield, and David
, Jim Chatfield, and David Sheltar
Sheltar, Ohio State University, Ohio State University Extension
, Ohio State University, Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, Plant Pathology, Sooty
Fact Sheet, Plant Pathology, Sooty
Mold on Trees and Shrubs Fact Sheet
Mold on Trees and Shrubs Fact Sheet, Document HYG
, Document HYG-
-3046
3046-
-96, 1996.
96, 1996.
www.ohioline.osu.edu/hyg
www.ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-
-fact/3000/3046.html
fact/3000/3046.html
17.
17. Ken
Ken Pernezny
Pernezny and R.B.
and R.B. Marlatt
Marlatt, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Scie
, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension,
nces (IFAS) Extension, Some Common Diseases of
Some Common Diseases of
Tahiti Lime in Florida
Tahiti Lime in Florida, Document PP24, 1993.
, Document PP24, 1993.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_VH049
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_VH049
18.
18. Scott C. Nelson, Ph.D. Associate Specialist in Plant Pathology,
Scott C. Nelson, Ph.D. Associate Specialist in Plant Pathology, University of
University of Hawai
Hawai’
’I
I at
at Manoa
Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human
, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human
Resources,
Resources, The
The Noni
Noni Website, Pest and Diseases,
Website, Pest and Diseases, Noni
Noni Sooty Mold.
Sooty Mold. 2005
2005
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/noni/sootyMold.asp
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/noni/sootyMold.asp
19.
19. Agricultural Research Organization, The
Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani
Volcani Center, Israel Department of Entomology, The United States Depa
Center, Israel Department of Entomology, The United States Department of Agriculture,
rtment of Agriculture,
Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Agriculture &
Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Agriculture & Agri
Agri Food Canada, Eastern Cereal & Oilseed Research Centre, and the
Food Canada, Eastern Cereal & Oilseed Research Centre, and the United States
United States-
-Israel
Israel
Binational
Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund,
Agricultural Research and Development Fund, Scale Net
Scale Net (This is a site about scale insects), 2005
(This is a site about scale insects), 2005
http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/scalenet/scalenet.htm
http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/scalenet/scalenet.htm
20.
20. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Sooty Mold
Sooty Mold website, 2005
website, 2005
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fid/july 98/07319801.html
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fid/july 98/07319801.html
21.
21. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Scienc
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science Extension
e Extension,
, TAME
TAME Melaluca
Melaluca Project
Project
http://
http://tame.ifas.ufl.edu
tame.ifas.ufl.edu
22.
22. Robert W. Pemberton,
Robert W. Pemberton, Potential for Biological Control of the Lobate Lac Scale, Parata
Potential for Biological Control of the Lobate Lac Scale, Paratachardina
chardina Lobata
Lobata Lobata
Lobata (
(Hemiptera
Hemiptera:
: Kerriidae
Kerriidae),
), Florida
Florida
Entomologist
Entomologist 86(3), pp 353
86(3), pp 353 –
– 360, September 2003.
360, September 2003.
http://www.fcla.edu/FlaEnt/fe86p353.pdf#search='control%20of%20P
http://www.fcla.edu/FlaEnt/fe86p353.pdf#search='control%20of%20P.%20lobata%20lobata%20india
.%20lobata%20lobata%20india‘
‘
23.
23. United States Department of Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture –
– Agricultural Research Service
Agricultural Research Service’
’s
s Invasive Plant Research Laboratory
Invasive Plant Research Laboratory website.
website.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=66
http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=66-
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