A SLIDE TECHNIQUE FOR THE STUDY OF FUNGI AND ACTINOMYCETES IN SOIL WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HELMINTHOSPORIUM SATIVUM

Abstract

A slide technique suitable for studying the behavior of fungi and actinomycetes both qualitatively and quantitatively in soil is descr. Besides H. sativum. 8 other fungi and 1 actinomycete were used to demonstrate the applicability of the method, which was used for both natural and soybean meal amended soils. In the natural soil only spores of Penicillium notatum, Stachybotrys atra, and the actinomycete germinated. However, lysis or disintegration of the germ tubes of the 2 fungi was observed on the 4th day. Growth of the actinomycete was continuous to at least the 7th day. In the amended soil only 1 fungus failed to germinate. Of those that germinated, only Fusarium culmorum and the actinomycete were capable of continued growth and sporulation. Lysis or disintegration of the germ tubes of the others was noticed on the 4th day.