Help to identify black globules in moss

Timritchie · Post by **Timritchie** » January 29th, 2024, 4:53 pm

Hi just doing some work on a fig and noticed these 2-3mm black globules in the moss. Anyone know what it is? Thanks Tim

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shibui · Post by **shibui** » January 29th, 2024, 5:01 pm

Not absolutely sure but my guess is some sort of algae?
Have you been keeping it pretty wet?

Timritchie · Post by **Timritchie** » January 29th, 2024, 5:10 pm

Hi shibui yes the tree gets watered twice a day by automatic system
I was thinking a type of algae but I’ve only seen green type before. So I guess I should remove all affected moss and quarantine the tree and hand water. No other trees on the same bench with this problem?
Thanks Tim

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TimS · Post by **TimS** » January 29th, 2024, 5:16 pm

Yeah i've seen it/ had it before on overly wet trees or trees with significant moss on the surface. I've always assumed it was related to the moss or algae of some type.

I'd remove all the moss for now, and inspect how damp the soil actually is staying then water accordingly.

Timritchie · Post by **Timritchie** » January 29th, 2024, 6:09 pm

Thanks Tim good to know I don’t have to burn the tree!
The fig hasn’t seen any love for awhile and the moss has been going off in this humidity so I’ve removed all moss scrubbed the trunk and moved it to a dry bench to be hand watered
Thanks Tim

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delisea · Post by **delisea** » January 30th, 2024, 7:23 am

It looks like a slime mold. Slime molds are related to fungi. I bet they will disappear when the humidity drops.

Cheers,
Symon

Timritchie · Post by **Timritchie** » February 9th, 2024, 5:09 pm

Hi the algae is appearing on other trees/ moss now, seems to be associated with leftover dynamic lifter? So I’ve been busy cleaning it

Joel · Post by **Joel** » February 11th, 2024, 2:06 pm

The organism in your pot is a Cyanobacterium in the genus "Nostoc". I've never had to treat it but you may be able to investigate suitable treatments now you've got a name.

Timritchie · Post by **Timritchie** » March 12th, 2024, 10:18 pm

Thanks Joel
Sorry for the late reply and thanks for the ID!
As I may have mentioned earlier it seems to be connected to applying pelletised fertiliser direct to soil surface.
With the very hot weather here in Nowra I’ve erred on the side of caution and “ overwatered “ 10 minutes twice a day, recently I reduced to 7 minutes x 2 / day and we had 35c today, the moss had shrunk and the dried algae sludge was easily brushed off.
I have fashioned some fly screen pyramid “teabags” to contain the fertiliser and that seems to be helping as well
Thanks again Tim

AusBonsai

Help to identify black globules in moss

Help to identify black globules in moss

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Re: Help to identify black globules in moss

Re: Help to identify black globules in moss

Re: Help to identify black globules in moss

Re: Help to identify black globules in moss

Re: Help to identify black globules in moss

Re: Help to identify black globules in moss

Re: Help to identify black globules in moss