Thorn, R. G., C. A. Reddy, D. Harris, and E. A. Paul. 1996. Isolation of saprophytic basidiomycetes from soil. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 62:4288-4292.

A method with the combined advantages of soil particle washing, selective inhibitors, and an indicator substrate was developed to isolate saprophytic basidiomycetes from soil. Organic particles were washed from soil and plated on a medium containing lignin, guaiacol, and benomyl, which reduced mold growth and allowed detection of basidiomycetes producing laccase or peroxidase. The 64 soil samples yielded 67 basidiomycete isolates, representing 51 groups on the basis of morphology and physiology. This method should facilitate investigations into the biodiversity of soil basidiomycetes and yield organisms that are useful in bioremediation of soils contaminated with pesticides or other recalcitrant aromatic compounds.

DOI: 10.1128/AEM.62.11.4288-4292.1996

Associated Treatment Areas:

• T6 Alfalfa
• T1 Conventional Management
• T2 No-till Management
• T7 Early Successional
• T8 Mown Grassland (never tilled)
• TDF Deciduous Forest
• TCF Coniferous Forest
• T3 Reduced Input Management
• T4 Biologically Based Management
• T5 Poplar
• TSF Mid-successional

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