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 described. Besides Helminthosporium sativum, eight other fungi and one 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 spores of Penicillium notatum, Stachybotrys atra, and the actinomycete only germinated. However, lysis or disintegration of the germ tubes of the two fungi was observed on the fourth day. Growth of the actinomycete was continuous to at least the seventh day. In the amended soil only one 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 fourth day.