Recent heavy rainfall across Ohio has been very beneficial to the cyanobacterium,Nostoc commune(NC). Of course, that's not the name that most Ohioans will use to refer to this ancient organism.

E-mails and phone calls to horticulture professionals may describe it as rubbery yellowish-green or bluish-black growth rising from the soil; some may just describe it as "the blob." NC may also be described as "black crusty stuff" once rainfall subsides and sunlight prevails, but more on that later.

Nostoc commune

Nostoc commune

Identification requests commonly include descriptions of impacts far beyond the capabilities of NC such as killing lawns. This cyanobacterium does not kill turfgrass or anything else in Ohio landscapes. Openings in turfgrass are being caused by something else and NC is just an innocent bystander taking advantage of an opening to the sky.

Nostoc commune

I photographed hydrated NC in southwest Ohio this past week; however, the colonies are rapidly drying out with increased sunlight and decreased rainfall. Jim Chatfield posted a BYGL Alert this past Tuesday that included a picture of hydrated NC in the northeast part of the state (see: Fernleaf Beech to Nostoc, Weekend Wonders, Part Deux). You can read his Alert by clicking on this hotlink:

https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/1575

It's Not an Alga!

Cyanobacteria have long been mislabeled as "blue-green algae." That's because they have slightly bluish-green photosynthetic pigments in their cytoplasm. Since the bacteria act like plants by producing their own "food" (polysaccharides) and generating oxygen, cyanobacteria were once lumped in with the algae.

However, algae, as well as other plants (and animals), areEukaryotes meaning their nuclei are wrapped in a membrane. Cyanobacteria lack membrane-bound nuclei; a condition that makes them aProkaryote.

Cyanobacteria have a number of interesting tricks up their prokaryotic sleeves. They are single-celled organisms that can exist in multicellular states with chains of cells stuck together within a sheath to form a filament. This allows the cells to communicate and share nutrients over a large area which is how manyNostocspecies form large mats.

Nostoc commune

Cyanobacteria have specialized cells called heterocysts that can grab nitrogen out of the atmosphere in a process called "nitrogen fixation" to convert the nitrogen into molecular forms that make the element available for the bacteria as well as plants.

For this reason, some cyanobacteria may be found growing on the surfaces of plants, including certain algae, which once added to the confusion with learning the true identity of these unusual bacteria. Some, such as NC, also have specialized pigments in their cells that absorb UV light to protect against UV radiation. This allows this bacterium to survive intense solar radiation.

In fact,Nostocspp. have a worldwide distribution and may be found thriving under some of the most extreme environmental conditions. Some biologists consider them to be a type of "extremophile" which is important to remember when you're trying to eliminate them!

An ID Challenge

NC and others in this genus of unusual organisms are often misidentified because of their changing appearance. During periods of wet weather, NC may look like an agglomeration of rubbery yellowish-green to bluish-black material is "bubbling-up" from the soil.

Nostoc commune

The otherworldly appearance of hydrated NC is responsible for several common names. It was once believed the alien-looking masses originated from the dust of shooting stars (a.k.a. meteors) which accounts for the common names of star-jelly, star-shot, and star-slime. Other common names such as "witch's-butter" are self-explanatory.

Nostoc commune

During periods of dry weather, the odd-looking masses collapse and turn black; the "black stuff" that will appear later this season. In fact, this is the most common appearance ofNostocspp. that does not enjoy irrigation. Dehydrated NC is the form of this cyanobacterium that is most commonly encountered in landscapes, nurseries, and even in drainage ditches.

Nostoc commune

Nostoc commune

Nostoc commune

Nostoc commune

Nostoc commune

Drying occurs quickly; however, this causes no harm to the cyanobacteria. It's actually a survival strategy supported by a range of polymers that keep the overall structure intact.

The bottom line is that NC and other mat-forming members of this genus are not toxic; they cause no harm to plants or animals including harm to the health of concerned Ohio landowners. However, the mucoid hydrated mates can become slippery when wet, so tread carefully.

Almost Older Than Dirt

There are a number of evolutionary connections between cyanobacteria and the rise of plants. Biologists generally agree that chloroplasts in plants have their ancestral origins with cyanobacteria through an evolutionary process called "symbiogenesis." Without cyanobacteria, higher plants as we know them would not exist. In fact, neither would we.

Earth has been around for about 4.55 billion years. Some believe our planet has been around slightly longer, but what's a few billion more or less among friends. There was no oxygen in Earth's early atmosphere; it was "anaerobic." That didn't mean life didn't exist, but it was life-forms that evolved and lived without oxygen. Some of those anaerobic microbes still exist, but not where they're exposed to the oxidizing effects of oxygen.

The geologic record in the form of bands of rust in rocks shows that something remarkable happened around 2.45 billion years ago. It's referred to as the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE) and marks the beginning of a rapid change in Earth's atmosphere from anaerobic to aerobic.

GOE occurred at about the same time that cyanobacteria appeared on the scene so it was once believed that these bacteria were entirely responsible for the rise of oxygen (literally). However, recent research has shown that other microorganisms were already producing some oxygen before the cyanobacteria. Regardless, it's still generally accepted that these remarkable bacterial oxygen pumps played a significant role in pushing atmospheric oxygen towards the current 21% that we enjoy today. So, you should thank cyanobacteria with your next breath.

Managing an Ancient

Although NC is a remarkable organism that causes no harm and has even been investigated for use in land reclamation sites, it and other cyanobacteria in this genus can grow in large mats that present a slippery safety concern in nurseries and greenhouse walk-ways. Blackened, dehydrated colonies can create an unsightly mess on the bottoms of plant containers. The same is true with colonies growing in gravel driveways.

Nostoc commune

Still, it's almost impossible to eliminate an organism that has survived numerous mass extinctions from rampaging volcanoes to a dinosaur-killing meteor strike. Here are some points to consider.

Water:Nostocspp. are terrestrial organisms that can survive long periods looking like blackened, dried-out mucus. However, they must have periodical infusions of water to thrive. So, moisture management through improved drainage is essential. This includes addressing both shallow as well as deep drainage issues.

Nostoc commune

For example, driedNostocmats can clog the drainage holes in ground cover and weed control fabrics. Using a coarse bristled push broom to remove driedNostoccan open the drainage holes; however, nothing will be gained if the underlying soil does not drain rapidly.

Fertilizer: AlthoughNostoccan generate its own food and grab nitrogen from the atmosphere, it must acquire other nutrients from its environment. In fact, phosphorous is considered the most limiting nutrient inNostocdevelopment. This has also been observed with the aquatic cyanobacteria that periodically foul lake waters; but don’t call the problem "algal blooms!" So, limiting phosphorous runoff can reduce the development ofNostocmats.

Chemicals: Algaecides such as sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate and copper sulfate products provide limited to no control ofNostoc; it's not an alga. Herbicides such as glyphosate (e.g. Roundup) not only provide no control (it's not a plant), but the release of phosphorus from dead plants can actually supportNostocgrowth.

Herbicidal soap products based on ammoniated soap of fatty acids or potassium salts of fatty acids can provide limited efficacy. However, trials conducted by Oregon State University (the Other OSU!) showed that the most effective herbicidal product is Scythe (pelargonic acid). Not only did Scythe killNostocbut it also prevented regrowth for several weeks and this product is labeled for treatment of algae, moss, or liverworts in container nurseries. Of course, hydratedNostocmust be targeted, dried mats are not susceptible. Also, this contact herbicide can damage or kill preferred plants so avoid direct contact as well as drift.

If You Can't Beat'em; Eat'em … with Caution

Back in early April, I exchanged several e-mail messages with John Ulrich who lives in Flower Mound, TX; possibly the best name for a U.S. town that I've ever heard. John described his NC culinary experiences thanks to his girlfriend and her sister who are from China. They harvested and prepared several dishes based on NC.

Nostoc commune

Nostoc commune

Nostoc commune

John's messages provided first-hand insights into something that's often included with descriptions of this fascinating organism: NC is commonly eaten in many Asian countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and China. I thank John for providing his first-hand accounts and pictures.

PLEASE NOTE: Although NC is one of the most commonNostocspecies found in the U.S., there are others. As with mushrooms, it's strongly recommended that epicurean adventurists seek the help of an experienced harvester before eating NC. Of course, it's also important to rely on expert advice for NC preparation!

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