Changes in water droplet shape then affected the the trajectory of dispersed spores.Īt one level, the findings are literally microscopic at another, they’re universal. They found that tiny changes in spore shape produced profound alterations in water droplet shape. In extreme cases, removal of mulch or the use of non-wood mulch alternatives such as stone may be the only way to completely resolve the problem.What made their paper special, said Money, is their description of variation in this mechanism. Another method for dealing with these fungi is to cover the mulch or wood chips with plastic during the time of greatest spore release. Treat a small area with this material to make sure there is no damaging affect. This can be purchased at a hardware type store. If you do have a major problem with these fungi you could also try washing them off with a material known as "GooGone". All of the stuck spores can be washed off or will disappear, over time, with rain. The important thing to note, however, is that they are not of concern beyond being a curiosity or mild aesthetic problem. A long thread, with a sticky end, is attached to the mass and this unwinds in flight causing it to stick to whatever it strikes.Īlthough all three of these fungi have spore masses that stick, they are all dispersed differently. The energy of raindrops falling into the cup is reflected by its funnel shape and rebounding water carries the spore masses out with it. The gleba is divided into several masses that resemble "eggs" in a deep cut shaped structure. This group is closely related to Sphaerobolus and is also associated with wood chips. It will stick to whatever it hits.Īnother group of fungi that can be found sticking to buildings and plants are known as the "Birds Nest Fungi". Pressure builds up in this area until the inner cup turns inside out throwing the gleba up to 6 meters toward the light. The lower peridium separates into 2 cups, which touch at the edges only. When the fungus is mature, the top splits open exposing the gleba. The peridium in Sphaerobolus has several layers. Sphaerobolus has a rounded fruiting body about 2.5mm in diameter. Sphaerobolus, known as the "Sphere Thrower" of the "Artillery Fungus", is an inhabitant of old dung, as well as mulch and wood chips. This is when people who may confuse the hundreds of round, dark spots with scale insects or leaf spot disease notice them. There is mucilaginous substance on the sporangium, which allows it to stick to whatever it lands on. This causes the vesicle to explode propelling the sporangial head in excess of 2 meters. Pressure builds up inside the structure, which supports the sporangium until it is more than 100 pounds per square inch. The fungus is positively phototropic causing the sporangium to be aimed towards any light source. This particular sporangium has a lens like vesicle with a light sensitive "retina" at its base. It is a member of the lower fungi and produces a sac-like structure called a sporangium, which contains the spores. It can fully develop within a week of spore germination. Pilobolus, known as the "Fungal Shotgun", is a rapidly growing fungus, which inhabits dung. This can cause confusion for people who may not know what these black spots are all over their property and plants. These spore masses can be found sticking to cars, the sides of houses, foliage on plants, etc.
There are a number of fungi that forcibly shoot masses of spores into the air.