black dust on bay tree

[giveup]

I have a bay tree in a pot but it has suddenly got what appears to be black dust on some of the leaves. What can I do, and can I still use the clean looking leaves in cooking.

[Hawkwalk]

sounds like mildew You can spray for it or clean up the leaves by hand. Also check for aphids as they are often present when this happens. Clean leaves will be fine for cooking with.

[Hawkwalk]

sorry, that should be sooty mold and not mildew.

[carlton23]

Not like you to misspell mould Hawkwalk.

[Hawkwalk]

I went all american for a second - wont happen again!!

[foxyferret]

sounds like sooty mould. This is caused by scale insects, you should see them like small brown crusty things on the underside of the leaves. I had them on a camellia and had to resort to washing them off every leaf by hand along with the soot which is more likely to be on top of the leaves. Having got rid, I sprayed with a systemic killer like Bug Clear. You have to keep an eye on your plant to make sure it is free of these little devils. My camellia is fine now, no soot and glossy leaves