FUNGITOXINS IN THE SOIL

Abstract
The production of trichothecin has been found in a variety of unsterilized unamended soils after inoculation with Trichothecium roseum. No significant microbiological breakdown of the antibiotic occurred in soil. The ether-soluble soil fraction was inhibitory to T. roseum in all cases, strong inhibition being associated with low trichothecin producing capacity. A thermostable antifugal factor was detected in autoclaved soils.