Slime Mold
[Myxomycetes spp.]
SYMPTOMS
Many small, round pustules are observed on the turfgrass leaves in small patches. The patches develop very quickly, usually overnight. The pustules may be purple, white, gray, yellow, or orange in color. The slime mold organisms do not infect the turf or cause direct harm, but they can cause mild yellowing of the leaves due to their shading effect. Slime molds are unsightly but are not considered harmful.
|
slime mold pustules |
Characteristic |
Description |
|
Host Grass Species |
all |
|
Month(s) with symptoms |
April to September |
|
Stand Symptoms |
spots, patches (4 to 12 inches) |
|
Foliar Symptoms - Location/Shape |
no distinct leaf symptoms |
|
Foliar Symptoms - Color |
all |
|
Root/Crown Symptoms |
none |
|
Fungal Signs |
pustules |
Note: Still not sure if this is the right disease? The Turfgrass Disease Identification program may be helpful. Or consult the experts at the Turf Diagnostics Lab. Check the TurfFiles glossary for definitions of unfamiliar terms.
FACTORS AFFECTING DISEASE DEVELOPMENT
Slime mold spores survive in the soil and thatch. During warm, wet weather the spores germinate and develop into a slimy mass that grows over the soil and nearby plant parts during wet weather. The pustules observed on turfgrass leaves are reproductive structures that contain numerous spores.
Flushes of slime mold growth are often observed after heavy rain storms that were preceded by long periods of dry weather.
CULTURAL CONTROL
Slime mold pustules typically disappear after 2 to 3 days, therefore, no control practices are needed. If the growth is particularly unsightly, the pustules may be removed by brushing, mowing, or washing the turf.
CHEMICAL CONTROL
Fungicides are available for slime mold control but are only necessary in severe cases.
|
Fungicide |
Efficacy (1) |
Resistance Risk (2) |
Class (3) |
Products (4) |
|
mancozeb** |
+++ |
1 |
dithiocarbamate |
Fore, 4 Flowable Mancozeb, Dithane, Mancozeb DG, Pentathlon, Protect, Wingman |
|
mancozeb + myclobutanil** |
++ |
1 |
dithiocarbamate + DMI |
Manhandle |
|
mancozeb + copper hydroxide** |
++ |
1 |
dithiocarbamate + inorganic |
Junction |
|
** Not for application to residential lawns. |
|
Footnotes: |
|
(1) |
Efficacy Codes: |
|
++++ |
excellent control when conditions are highly favorable for disease development |
|
+++ |
good control when disease pressure is high, or excellent control when disease pressure is moderate |
|
++ |
good control when disease pressure is moderate, excellent control when disease pressure is low |
|
+ |
good control when disease pressure is low |
|
0 |
does not provide adequate control under any conditions |
|
? |
cannot be rated due to insufficient data |
|
(2) |
Resistance Risk: |
|
1 |
Rotating and tank-mixing not necessary, but recommended to avoid potential side effects from continuous use of same chemical class. |
|
2 |
Rotate to different chemical class after 3-4 applications; tank-mixing not necessary. |
|
3 |
Rotate to different chemical class after 2-3 applications; tank-mixing not necessary. |
|
4 |
Rotate to different chemical class after 1-2 applications; tank-mixing not necessary. |
|
6 |
Rotate to different chemical class after 1-2 applications; tank-mixing with low or moderate risk product recommended. |
|
9 |
Rotate to different chemical class after EVERY application; tank-mix with low or moderate risk product for EVERY application. |
|
(3) |
Continual use of fungicides with similar control mechanisms (modes of action) can result in fungi that are resistant to some chemicals. Poor or ineffective disease control can be expected when this occurs. Managers can reduce the chances of this happening by mixing or alternating fungicides belonging to different chemical classes. |
|
(4) |
Recommendations of specific chemicals are based upon information on the manufacturer's label and performance in a limited number of trials. Because environmental conditions and methods of application may vary widely, performance of the chemical will not always conform to the safety and pest control standards indicated by experimental data. When more than one brand name exists for an agricultural chemical, the name of brand that first came onto the market is listed first. Otherwise, brand names are listed in alphabetical order. The order in which brand names are given is not an indication of a recommendation or criticism. |
|
Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University or discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Other brand names may be labeled for use on turfgrasses. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your county's Cooperative Extension agent. |
© North Carolina State University. This information sheet was prepared by Lane P. Tredway, Gail G. Wilkerson, Bridget R. Lassiter, Jenifer J. Reynolds, and Gregory S. Buol. Departments of Plant Pathology and Crop Science, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, North Carolina State University. Prepared March 7, 2011. Available on-line at www.turffiles.ncsu.edu. This publication was made possible through a grant provided by the Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research & Education (CENTERE) whose purpose is to support worthwhile projects that will benefit both the private sector and the public, and protect the environment.