Slime mold on turf is typically identified by which sign?

• A. Streaks or small patches smother turf; masses dry to form gray, crusty mats
• B. White fluffy growth at leaf tips
• C. Orange pustules on blades
• D. Dark mold at soil surface

Answer: (A)

Slime mold on turf is best recognized by streaks or small patches that smother the turf, with the masses drying to form gray, crusty mats. These organisms thrive in moist conditions and feed on decaying organic matter in the thatch, producing surface signs that look like irregular smears or patches that can later harden into a gray crusty layer. It’s a distinctive look that sets slime mold apart from other turf issues, and it’s generally more of a nuisance than a true turf pathogen.

The other signs described point to different problems: white fluffy growth at leaf tips suggests powdery mildew or similar white fungal growth; orange pustules on blades indicate rust fungi; dark mold at the soil surface could be other soil- or that-associated molds.