Sooty Mold on Pecan Leaves: Caused by Insects, Not a Primary Disease

The black “soot” on your pecan leaves is sooty mold, a fungus growing on honeydew excreted by sap-feeding insects (aphids, scale, whiteflies). It’s unsightly but not directly pathogenic.

What to Do

1. Identify and control the underlying insects.
2. Sooty mold will weather away once honeydew stops.
3. See detailed bulletin: Sooy Mold Publication

Pecan Disease Resources

For actual pecan diseases, see: Pecan Disease Guide. Georgia and Alabama extension sites also have extensive pecan info.