Q.Black “stuff” on purple hull peas
I have masses of tiny black flecks on my purple hull pea plants. Is this a disease or pest? Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It is likely the frass from a pest of some kind. Since it's difficult to know what kind it is, we have found neem oil to be very effective against almost all harmful pests in the garden. If the black stuff is soot-like, it would be sooty mold, a fungus formed from pests like aphids. Neem oil would help with that as well. This article has more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm