An unusual lawn invader appears during wet weather

Slime mold 3 turf disease pubThis is a Slime Mold growing on turf.

This information is taken from the UGA publication, Turfgrass Diseases in Georgia: Identification and Control 

Slime molds are caused by the fungi Physarum spp. and Fuligo spp.

All turfgrasses are susceptible to slime molds

Slime mold turf disease pubSymptoms: Large numbers of pinhead-sized fruiting bodies may suddenly appear on grass blades and stems in circular to irregular patches 1-30 inches in diameter. Affected patches of grass do not normally die or turn yellow and signs of the fungi usually disappear within 1 to 2 weeks. These fungi normally reproduce in the same location each year. The fungi are not parasitic, but they may shade the individual grass leaves to the extent that leaves may be weakened by inefficient photosynthesis.

Conditions favoring Slime Molds: Slime molds are favored by cool temperatures and continuous high humidity. An abundance of thatch favors slime molds by providing food directly in the form of organic matter.

Management:

Remove slime mold by mowing.

Remove using a gardening tool or high pressure stream of water.

For more information on slime molds and other turf diseases, see Turfgrass Diseases in Georgia: Identification and Control 

 

Slime molds elsewhere:

Dog vomit slime mold, Sandra Jensen, Cornell University
Dog vomit slime mold, Sandra Jensen, Cornell University

Other slime molds form irregularly shaped ‘blobs’ that grow on mulch, turf or other areas with organic matter. Read more about these in the publication, The Truth about Slime Molds, Spanish Moss, Lichens and Mistletoe

 

Also find pictures of various slime molds here.

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