Slime Molds on Turf Plant Pathology Slime Molds on Turf Turf samples showing the presence of slime mold have been arriving in the Plant Disease Clinic. Slime molds are fungi that grow on decaying organic matter. This growth at first may appear black, yellow, or other color, and slimy.
Slime molds are common on turf, strawberries, or in plant beds with high organic matter.
Dormant periods of slime molds are spent in the soil and in the thatch. During or just after a warm rain or heavy watering, slime mold spores absorb moisture and move up the plant surface. They often reappear in the same area year after year, and last one to two weeks. Slime molds are more of a curiosity than a threat to the turf. They use plants for support, and really only cause injury if they smother the plant surface.