Slime Mold on Turfgrass: An Overview -Signs, Symptoms, Prevention and Control-

Slime mold on grass is not harmful to the turf, but it can be removed if its look is an issue. You may believe that this mold turfgrass illness should be eradicated in order to safeguard the health of your lawn. However, therapies are ineffective, and this unique organism may be better left alone. After learning a few facts about lawn slime mold, you will be able to make an informed decision.

Although slime mold is typically seen as a black material on lawns in wet, warm circumstances, it may appear in a variety of shades. Individual spores may be cream, pink, blue, orange, or red in color. When the spores cluster, the look is often black, although it can also be pale. When the wind blows, slime mold spores settle on the grass. When there is moisture, the spores bloom and multiply, forming patches up to 6 inches across.

Signs and Symptoms

The most visible symptoms are the different colored spore masses that emerge on the grass blades. Because the slime mold inhibits photosynthesis, some browning of the grass blades may develop. The grass, on the other hand, will recover. When fresh, the spore masses are sticky to the touch, but when dried, they may be easily rubbed or wiped off. Slime molds may survive and multiply at any time of year in warm, humid conditions. Slime mold multiplication is encouraged by warm weather and plenty of moisture.

Management

There is no need for management because the slime mold is just using the grass as a support to create its fruiting structures. These will usually disappear as swiftly as they emerge. Normal mowing will also dislodge the spores. Remember that the spores that fall off will remain on the soil or in the thatch and will sprout in the future if the right weather conditions exist.

For locations with light to severe slime mold infestations, the approach is to just let things happen naturally. Heavy infestations can be eliminated mechanically by mowing, raking, or spraying with a strong garden hose. To minimize further growth or spread of the fungus, wash the leaves with a stream of water immediately after the start of dry weather. Chemical management is not usually advised.

Slime mold is beneficial to your lawn because it is not a mold turfgrass problem like rust. The sole disadvantage of the spores is their appearance on your landscape. If the look of the bright patches bothers you, simply rake it up from the grass blades. You may alternatively sweep it away with a broom or just mow over the infected blades. Slime mold should not be treated with fungicides, and there are no accessible treatments to inhibit the spores. It is preferable to be adaptive and just deal with the situation. Many of the bacteria, harmful fungal spores, and extra organic waste on your lawn will be removed by the spores, resulting in a greener, healthier turf.