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Nostoc

| By | Pests

Nostoc (Nostoc spp.)

Overview:​​​

  • A cyanobacterium, and one of the oldest organisms on earth  ​
  • Primitive growth, like algae, moss, and liverwort ​
  • No roots, no vascular tissues, and is not​ a plant, but it is photosynthetic  ​
  • Forms gelatinous masses composed of filaments linked together by protective jelly-like coverings ​
  • Poses slipping hazards​
  • Hundreds of species, can be aquatic or terrestrial
  • Can be found growing in gravel, stones, limestone chips, granite, saturated soils, and on-ground cloth within container nurseries  ​
  • Can tolerate long periods of desiccation but requires lots of water for establishment  ​
  • Growth can become common and persistent at certain nursery/greenhouse sites where long-term overhead irrigation is done  ​
  • Not toxic, and does not compete with plants, but can harbor fungus gnats and snails ​

Management:

Cultural Practices:
  • Mechanical raking
  • Blowers
  • Ensure proper drainage
  • Introduce beneficial microbes to outcompete Nostoc
  • Solarizing ​
Materials:
  • Contact herbicides:​
    • Glufosinate (Finale XL) (Best post-emergent herbicide available to control Nostoc) (90-95% control)
    • Copper Ethanolamine Complex [M01]
    • Copper Hydroxide [M01]
    • Ammonium chloride sanitizing agents [NC]
    • Diuron (Direx)​
  • Considerations:​
    • Many herbicides do not work well
    • Species at different locations can cause different control results
    • Nostoc must be hydrated for post controls to work​
Nostoc growing in front of container bay opening. The opening allowed the overhead irrigation to saturate the soil/gravel at entrance. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Nostoc growing on ground cloth within a nursery container bay. Creates a serious slipping hazard for nursery personnel. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Nostoc up-close showing the bubbling-up of gelatinous filament masses with jelly-like coverings. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Moss & not Nostoc is growing at this nursery. The difference in appearance & texture is clearly evident at front of this container bay opening. Moss is not a slippery hazard. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Saturated Nostoc with close-up of masses of gelatinous filaments. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Noticeable change in color & appearance as this Nostoc mass shows signs of beginning to dry-out. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Moist, hydrated Nostoc mass growing on ground cloth within nursery container bay. Ideal condition for effective post emergent controls. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Nostoc showing a dehydrated condition. Post-control applications during this period will not be effective. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Non-treated Nostoc area showing more than 70% coverage at opening of nursery container bay. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Nostoc a few weeks post control treatments starting to show significant coverage % reduction. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Nostoc area a couple of weeks post treatment beginning to show reduction & desiccation. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Two months after treatment the Nostoc area is nearly eliminated. (Photo Credit: Steven K. Rettke, Rutgers Coop. Ext.)
Disclaimer – Materials do not cover all possible control scenarios and are intended for licensed professionals. Tradenames do not imply endorsement and are used as examples. You must strictly follow the label for each compound prior to use. Rutgers is not responsible form is used materials or damages thereof. The label is the law. Labels will provide detailed information on use and restrictions. Additionally, application intervals, compatibility, surfactant use, PHI, PPE, important and other key information is described in detail. Always discuss treatments with your local agents. Note: Neonicotinoids can only be legally applied in commercial agriculture settings by licensed applicators. Guidelines and recommendations made in this presentation are specific to the state of New Jersey.