Asiatic Jasmine Diseases

Sooty Mold

• Sooty mold is a foliage disease that results from the jasmine's release of honeydew secretions. The Asiatic jasmine releases these secretions after insects feed on its foliage. These honeydew secretions are sticky and sweet, which attract more insects to feed on the plant. The honeydew also captures airborne fungal spores that develop a dark-colored mold covering across the sticky surface. While sooty mold infections do not harm the foliage, the blockage of sunlight and air on the leaves' surfaces inhibits its development. The infected foliage often experiences dieback, wilt and stunting from lack of light and air.

Pests

• Red spider mites, scales and whiteflies are the Asiatic jasmine's most common pests. These insects are all heavy feeders and will feed on the Asiatic jasmine's foliage, as well as its twigs and stems. These pests are also vigorous multipliers and will take shelter and multiply within the jasmine's foliage and canopy.

Treatment

• Sooty mold infections are easily treated when combined with pruning and chemical treatments. Heavily infected areas should be pruned from the plant with sharp, sterile shears. Lightly infected areas can be left or removed, based on preference. Treat and control the sooty mold infection by eliminating the insect population from the Asiatic jasmine. Use an insecticidal treatment or horticultural oil designed for whiteflies, spider mites and scales. Apply multiple treatments, if necessary, according to the package's instructions.

Control

• Once the sooty mold infection and insect invasions are under control, take steps to prevent further infections. Spray the Asiatic jasmine with an insecticide treatment regularly throughout the growing season. Periodically rinse down the jasmine's foliage to wash away any mites or insects that may attempt to take shelter in the foliage. Periodic washings will not harm this jasmine because it is so resistant to fungal infections. However, be sure to perform the washings during warm, sunny periods so the sunlight can evaporate the water.