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Penicillium sp. (saprophytic mold)

In shelters where the control of whiteflies in particular is not satisfactory, it is not uncommon to observe, in addition to Fumagine , the appearance of beige to brown spots on the leaflets . Their size is rather limited and their location quite particular. In addition, larvae and numerous black whitefly pupae are visible on the underside of the leaf blade. Some of them are covered by the sporulation of a fungus. The latter is a Penicillium sp. which uses whitefly pupae as a nutrient base to settle on the leaflets before colonizing them locally.

These spots have no consequences for plants, which suffer much more from the presence of large populations of whiteflies than from sooty mold. Controlling these pests is the only measure to be implemented if it is not too late.
Last change : 04/13/21
peni_tomate_DB_085
Figure 1