The Gardener`s Corner

 The Gardener’s Corner
Slime Molds: Landscape Oddities
Description
Slime molds are among the most interesting oddities found in
residential landscapes across the country. The most common
slime molds reported by home gardeners and landscapers
belong to the genera Physarum sp. and Fuligo sp. These molds
can appear slimy or crusty and thrive in moist, shady areas rich
in rotting wood and plant litter. Slime molds create a positive
impact in the ecosystem by returning nutrients back to the soil
through decomposition.
Fuligo sp. on grass Physarum sp. is the most common slime mold found on turf
grass. Physarum sp. is gray and black with purple spores and
resembles soot. Fuligo sp. is commonly found on wood mulch
and appears yellow or cream color. Fuligo sp. forms a crusty
mass that often resembles dog vomit or scrambled eggs.
Cause
Fuligo sp. mico view Additional Recourses
UC IPM Online
www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/P
MG/pestnotes
U of A Research Grant
http://newswire.uark.edu/
Article.aspx?ID=13986 While slime molds may look like a fungus they are not classified
in the Fungi kingdom. Slime molds feed on decomposing
organic material, bacteria and yeast, which help return nutrients
to the soil. Slime molds thrive in the crevices of moist mulch and
plant litter. These molds produce windborne spores. The spores
can remain dormant for several years and emerge from their
resting state when introduced to water. The spores absorb the
water and continue their life cycle. In their infancy slime molds
appear slimy and wet. As they mature the molds attach to
organic material or soil and create new spores. The molds are
fully mature when they develop into a crusty mass.
Management
Slime molds are not considered a plant disease and do not
require chemical control. The University of California Integrated
Pest Management (UC IPM) recommends removing the mold
by raking, mowing or breaking up the mold with a stream of
water from a hose.