GB857161A - Improvements in the propagation of fungi - Google Patents

Abstract

A composition for the control of eelworm in infested soil comprises propagating an organism of the class of prudacious Moniliaceae in a liquid fermentation medium containing the nutrient essential for the growth of the organism and supported on a solid carrier of high surface area followed by dessication of the resulting product. Specified microorganisms include Arthrobotry srobusta Duddington, Arthrobotrys cladodes Dreschler, Arthrobotrys conoides Dreschler, Trichothecium flagrans Duddington and Cylindrocarpon radiciola Wollenioeber. The inert carrier may be pumice, vermiculite or asbestos wood, or carrier which in themselves supply the nutrient such as granulated peat or wool fibres. Any organic source of nitrogen may be the nutrient, and whey powder is preferred. Carbohydrates such as lactose or corn steep liquor may also be present in the medium. Propagation may be carried out by adding a vegetative mycelial growth of the fungus to a portion of the sterilised carrier and the inoculated medium added to the remainder of the sterile carrier. Growth is encouraged by rotation of the fermenter. After a suitable period, say 14 days, the contents of the fermenter are dried by warm air or in vacuo. The composition may be mixed with bran prior to application to the soil, Specifications 800,736 and 857,160 are referred to.