Final answer:
Sooty mold found on plant leaves is commonly associated with the presence of white flies that excrete honeydew on which the mold grows, affecting plant health.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you find sooty mold on the leaves of your plant, the pest that is likely present is the white fly. Sooty mold is a type of fungus that grows on the honeydew excreted by pests like white flies. The presence of sooty mold suggests that these insects are feeding on the plant's sap and excreting this sugary substance, on which the mold thrives.
White flies are known to attack a wide range of plants, and their feeding habits can indeed lead to the growth of sooty mold. This mold can block sunlight from reaching the leaves, potentially affecting photosynthesis and the overall health of the plant.