Another problem associated with the rainy period is a fungal growth known as slime mold. Slime molds are primitive microorganisms that can produce white, purple, or black blobs and patches of fungus like material knows as sporangia. They can cover grass and other plant materials. Slime mold spores when mature are powdery and break apart into a dust that can cover shoes or mowers. The spores of the slime mold survive in soil or organic debris and germinate during wet weather.
Slime molds can actually move or flow across soil or plant surfaces seeming to engulf the area.
The most common type seen this season is a black slime found growing on the blades of grass. These organisms are not harmful to living plant material although unsightly. Frequent mowing, raking or brushing of the spore masses is usually sufficient to control the problem. The appearances of these growths are seasonal depending on the temperature and soil moisture. Late spring and fall are the normal season for development.