Panis, A., & Pierart, J. 1977 Cocciniglia nera e fumaggine nel quadro della lotta integrata contro i nemici dell'olivo in Francia. [Black scale and sooty mould in the context of integrated control against olive pests in France.]. Informatore Fitopatologia 27(4): 25-27.

Notes: The problem of sooty mould on olive trees is reviewed. This fungus, which develops on honeydew excreted by Saissetia oleae, causes far more damage to the tree, and loss of crop, than does the scale insect unless the infestation is exceptionally heavy. The authors state that insecticide treatments carried out against Dacus oleae (Gmel.) actually favour the multiplication of S. oleae by killing its natural enemies. The results of studies on this problem in France indicate the advisability of replacing broad-spectrum insecticides, sprayed all over the tree, with protein bait-sprays applied to only part of the tree and attracting adults of D. oleae to these parts, so leaving the other parts suitable for the development of beneficial insects; in localities where the climate is too dry for protein baits to remain effective, pyrethrin sprays should be applied to the external foliage only. Populations of S. oleae, and thus the incidence of the fungus, may be reduced culturally by regular pruning of the olive trees in order to let in both bright sunlight and extremes of cold weather, and to reduce the humidity within the tree canopy; sprays containing copper are also effective against sooty mould without harming beneficial insects. If severe infestation by S. oleae occurs early in the year, a single insecticide application in March or April is recommended, since most natural enemies of the pest are not yet active by that time.