Pomegranate “black mold” on branches


I just repotted my pomegranate and noticed what looks like black mold growing in patches on multiple branches. I’ve never seen this before and would like to treat before it leafs out. Last season leaves were starting to curl if that helps anyone diagnose. I live in SoCal if climate or location helps.

Thanks in advance for any treatment advice!!

Could it be black knot, which is a fungal disease that most frequently attacks plum and cherry trees…fruit theme! I don’t know enough to confirm or deny this is what it is but the direction I would look if I were in your shoes

The higher probability is Sooty mold which is caused by the sticky honeydew excreted by insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale. If it is this soap and water is what I would treat with

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Thanks for the response. I looked closely and didn’t see anything on it, so I’m not feeling particularly confident that it’s sooty mold. I’ll still clean with soap and water like you suggested because it can’t hurt. I’ll research black knot more as well!

Add a couple TBLS of baking soda to your soap and water wipe down, this makes a simple fungicide that will kill any spores, soap and water will not kill the spores even if it’s just mold.

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That’s a cool trick! Any specific ratio or just mix it all up?

Yeh do 2 tbsp to a 32oz spray bottle with 3-4 drops of dish soap. Shake it well before applying it to a cotton ball or whatever you’re using to wipe down, and shake repeatedly as the baking soda settles.

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Awesome I’ll give this a shot this weekend. Thanks for the cool diy tip

Great share @SCBonsaiGrower

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