Death of Micrococcus luteus in Soil

Abstract

Micrococcus luteus cells died relatively quickly when they were added to natural soil. The results were similar for soil in nature and as soil samples in the laboratory. The cells died more quickly when nutrients were added to the soil. Those cells that survived soil residence exhibited a temporary lengthening of the time required for colonial growth and pigment formation on laboratory media. They had not gained increased survival capability, however. This was evident when they were retested in soil. Good survival of the M. luteus cells was noted when the soil was incubated at lowered temperatures. Some protection to the cells was provided by slow drying of the soil during incubation or by addition of NaCl. Microscopic examination of the soil revealed that the M. luteus cells were being physically destroyed and that two different bacteria were growing in the areas where the cells had lysed. It was suggested that bacterial predators in the soil might be associated with the death of the M. luteus cells.