Bulletin 229, Diseases of Citrus in Florida


interwoven fungous filaments, about the size and color of fly-
specks, that develop on the surface of the fruit (Fig. 50). This
fungus may or may not be accompanied by a sooty growth of
dark-colored fungous filaments which spread over the surface
of the rind in blotch-like spots. The latter fungus (Gloeodes
pomigena) is termed sooty blotch. It is different from the pre-
viously described sooty mold, which develops after infestations
of the whitey, and may occur when this insect is absent.


 Fig. 50.-Flyspeck fungus on grapefruit. (Slightly enlarged.)

 No damage to the rind results from the presence of either the
flyspeck or sooty blotch fungus but the appearance of the fruit is
marred. The sooty blotch fungus usually will be removed in the
washing and polishing process but the flyspeck fungus is more
persistent and may result in lowering the grade of the fruit.
 The development of these superficial fungi are favored by
shade and humid atmospheric conditions. They are most likely
to develop late in the winter in groves with moist, humid con-
ditions and on fruits that have remained on the trees long after
they have become ripe. Their development is favored by a rank