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Slime Mold
Mucilago spp.
Slime Mold is caused by thelawn fungus Mucilago spp. This nonparasitic lawn disease affects all types of warm- and cool-season grasses across the mainland of the United States, with damage typically occ+C14+C15
Identify
Foliar
Signs of Slime Mold in your lawn include massive numbers of pinhead-sized fruiting bodies sprouting up on grass leaf blades and stems. These fruiting bodies often appear white, gray or purplish-brown and resemble a bulp sitting atop a skinny stem. The affected grass usually does not turn yellow—though it may appear that way from the shading of the Slime Mold—and the fruiting bodies normally disappear within a few weeks. Even without control measures, grass typically eventually recovers—this lawn disease is generally more unsightly than harmful. Still, the lawn fungus can reappear in the same areas of your lawn each year.
Life Cycle
A Slime Mold infection can occur only if all of the following conditions are present: 1. Pathogen: Mucilago spp. lawn fungi 2. Host: All types of warm- and cool-season grass 3. Environment: Cool, humid weather for the Slime Mold pathogen to spread; warmer, humid weather for development of the lawn disease
Control
Because you can't change your environment, the best way to control Slime Mold is to create conditions that will foster a healthy lawn. Not only will this make your yard unfavorable for Slime Mold growth, but it will also lower your risk of extensive damage should the lawn disease develop—plus you'll have the type of lawn you'll want to live on. For Slime Mold control and lawn fungus treatment, TruGreen® recommends the following cultural control tips: • Remove unsightly mold spores with a stream of water or by mechanical measures (brush, rake, etc.) • Avoid high-nitrogen applications when the disease is active • Reduce the amount of thatch with core aeration • Frequent mowing can also remove spores if the grass leaf blades are growing rapidly enough
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