PestFacts WA

Slime moulds

• Bindi Bindi

Slime mould on wheat stubble. Photo courtesy of: Clare Johnstone (Elders)

Clare Johnston (Elders) recently found some slime mould in a canola crop with wheat stubble east of Bindi Bindi. The slime was only found in one area of the paddock and only in the one paddock on the property. The grower had not seen it before.

Slime moulds appear as patches of watery or jelly-like slimy material on low lying plant material. After a few days the jelly-like material produces fruiting bodies that are commonly ash grey, though in some instances they may be bright yellow or red. These fruiting bodies usually occur in great numbers on the affected plant material and may cover an area of up to a square metre.

Warm wet weather combined with high nitrogen levels provide a good environment for the slime moulds.

The slime moulds should disappear if a couple of dry warm days are experienced.

If you do have concerns about your livestock eating slime moulds please contact your local veterinary officer.

For more information refer to the department’s Slime moulds.

For more information contact Ravjit Khangura, Research Officer, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3374.