What is the definition of sooty mold?

Sooty mold is a fungal growth that typically appears as a black, soot-like coating on the surfaces of leaves, fruits, and other parts of plants. This mold is not harmful to the plant itself but indicates the presence of sap-sucking insects, such as aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects, which excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. The honeydew provides an ideal environment for the sooty mold to thrive. Therefore, identifying sooty mold as a fungus growing on honeydew is crucial in understanding the plant's health and pest management. This knowledge allows gardeners and agricultural professionals to tackle the underlying insect issues while also addressing the visible impact of the mold. Other options, while related to plant health issues, do not accurately describe what sooty mold is.