Ancient Bacteria Star Jelly in Ohio Gardens Cycles Through Dry, Wet State

The ancient bacteria known as star jelly, which can be found in Ohio gardens, can withstand extreme weather, cycling between the wet and dry states, according to scientists.

Beautiful trees, blooming flowers, and for some people, rubbery, dark-green blobs, are all signs of springtime weather. The gelatinous globs that some locals have described as looking alien in their yard are frequently clusters of Nostoc commune.

Ancient Bacteria Star Jelly

Nostoc commune, which is frequently mistaken for algae, is an ancient bacteria that can grow on soil, gravel, and cement, according to Joe Boggs, an assistant professor of extension at Ohio State University.

The photosynthesizing organism can withstand extreme heat and thrive in moist environments, but there is no need to be alarmed because these bizarre blobs won't take over anybody's backyard or garden, according to Boggs in his article published in the Buckeye Yard & Garden Online website.

Nostoc commune is a species of cyanobacterium that grows in nations all over the world. It is also known as star jelly, witch's butter, and mare's eggs. It can have a gelatinous, yellowish, or bluish-green appearance when damp and a crusty, black appearance when dry.

According to Boggs, the blobs were given the names star jelly, star slime, and star shot, because it was once believed that they had formed from meteor dust.

Not Harmful but Slippery

Plants, animals, or lawns cannot be harmed by Nostoc commune because it is non-toxic.

However, large concentrations of the bacteria can make surfaces slippery, which presents a problem for walkways in nurseries and greenhouses, where they are frequently found.

It is difficult to get rid of the blobs because the genus Nostoc is assumed to have existed for many billions of years and because the common species can endure harsh climates. In wet areas, Boggs advises maintaining drainage because bacteria love moisture, The Enquirer reports.

Combating Star Jelly

Field tests carried out by Oregon State University also discovered that Scythe, a pelargonic acid used as an herbicide, was successful in killing the bacteria, per the Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks.

In addition to killing NC, Scythe also prevented regrowth for several weeks. This product is intended to be used in container nurseries to treat algae, moss, or liverworts. Naturally, hydrated NC needs to be the focus; dried mats are invulnerable. Additionally, this contact herbicide has the potential to harm or eradicate desired plants, so avoid both direct contact and drift.

Limited efficacy is offered by herbicidal soap products that are based on ammoniated soaps of fatty acids as well as potassium salts of fatty acids.

Other experiments involve depriving the ancient bacteria of water and fertilizer runoff. Also, it is important to note that algaecides will not work on star jelly because it is not algae. Some use propane burners to mitigate the growth of the green blob.

Agricultural Use

In the appropriate situation, Nostoc Commune might be helpful. The Home & Garden Information Center states that in addition to performing photosynthesis, Nostoc also engages in another unusual activity frequently connected to leguminous plants. Nostoc "fixes" atmospheric nitrogen gas so that it can be utilized by plants and animals, a process called nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen is used by all organisms to create proteins, amino acids, and other essential building blocks for life.

With only 5 pounds of nitrogen annually, Nostoc contributes a much smaller overall amount of nitrogen to the environment.

While this small amount of nitrogen is insufficient for the majority of cultivated crops, it is more than enough for a natural ecosystem.