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White Fungus on Peat

Some gardeners use peat pots, which are made of compressed dead peat moss, as a biodegradable container for plants. Peat pots are useful in starting new seeds and are meant to be planted completely underground for the best results, says the "Prairie Yard & Garden", a public television show by the University of Minnesota Morris. The peat moss is susceptible to developing saprophytic fungi, especially if the damp pot is exposed to the air. This fungi group causes white growth in a peat pot's soil.

  1. Decomposers

    • Saprophytic fungi are known as the "decomposing" group of fungi. Decomposers survive by converting deceased organic material into organic acids, carbon dioxide and fungal biomass. Saprophytic fungi have a similar role as bacteria since they help keep nutrients within the soil. Since peat pots consist of dead peat moss, saprophytic fungi is the only type of fungi found in this type of soil. The other types of fungi, mycorrhizal and pathogens, are found on living organisms.

    Causes

    • A peat pot's surrounding environment plays a large role in why white fungi forms. Like all organic matter, peat contains mold spores, which is the genesis for new fungi. Cool temperatures and overwatering are two favorable conditions to foster the growth of saprophytes. Also, unsterilized soil, which may be soil from the garden or potting soil, is another source for mold spores. Sometimes indoor peat pots have higher chances of white fungi growth since they retain moisture longer than outdoor pots do.

    Effects

    • While saprophytic fungi are beneficial in retaining the nutrients within peat pot soil, this fungi group presents several problems for gardeners. If fungi growth remains unattended, the pressure from saprophytic fungi specimens causes damage to nearby sidewalks or structures. Some saprophytic fungi, such as the stinkhorn, emit a foul odor even before the body emerges from the surface. Saprophytic fungi may be unattractive in the garden and can prove poisonous if consumed by humans. However, the Royal Horticultural Society says the appearance of saprophytic fungi usually results in little to no harm.

    Removal

    • Chemical and nonchemical methods are available for removing fungi from soil. Some nonchemical methods include hand-removing large white fungi by eliminating the fungi's food source. One hand-removing method is replacing the top few inches of the peat pot's soil with new soil. Using a hoe is also effective in removing the fungi. Organic fungicides are sold for gardeners who want to use chemicals to prevent fungi growth. Some chemicals found in fungicides are sulfur, copper and horticultural oil. Purdue University's Extension program suggests gardeners determine whether fungi is threatening to the garden before using fungicides.

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Pests, Weeds & Problems
  1. Non-Harmful Soil Fungus
  2. White Fungus in Tomatoes
  3. White Fungus on Grass
  4. Types of Garden Soil Fungus with White Patches
  5. White Fungus on Mulch
  6. White Powder Fungus
  7. White Powder on Orchids
  8. Types of Desert Fungi
  9. White Fungus on a Ficus
  10. Orange Fungus on Trees
  11. Lifespan of Fungus
  12. White Mold Information

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