Anthony Anson wrote:

The message
from fumier contains these words:

Ooops, too much Agent Orange on Sunday nights! I think I used B&Q's
aphid killer. Any serious suggestions, please? "Soot" seems to be
spreading

Try Bordeaux mixture.

That might kill the mould but it won't do anything for the real problem which is
probably scale insects. A systemic insecticide applied to the soil (like
Bio-Provado) might help. It will work better in spring when things are growing
fast.
--
Rod
http://website.lineone.net/%7Erodcraddock/index.html
My email address needs weeding.