A simple and rapid method for qualitative and quantitative study of the fungal flora of leaves

Abstract

A simple and rapid method for microscopical and cultural examination of leaf mycoflora is described. Scotch tape with adhesive on both sides is attached to microscope slides. An impression of the leaf surface is made by pressing the leaf onto the tape. After staining with lactophenol–aniline blue and mounting in AH water-soluble mounting medium the preparation is ready for examination under the microscope. Impressions can also be used for cultural studies by covering them with a thin film of agar medium and incubating them in a moist chamber for 2–3 days. These slide cultures will show both the number and the pattern of distribution of the fungi originally present on the leaf surface.