Myxobacteria in Soils and Composts; their Distribution, Number and Lytic Action on Bacteria

Abstract

The author describes a method of isolating myxobacteria from soil and compost. Myxococcus virescens, M. fulvus, Chondrococcus exiguus and Archangium sp. are widely distributed in the soils of Britain. Many spp. of bacteria, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative, are lysed during the growth of myxobacteria, and the lytic substance produced by M. virescens passes through a cellophane membrane. The myxobacteria will grow in nutrient agar but fruiting bodies are produced only when bacteria susceptible to lysis are present.