A SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE METHOD FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING CLOSED POT CULTURES OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI

Trials and experiments were carried out to develop and test a simple a nd inexpensive method for producing and maintaining pot cultures of ar buscular mycorrhizal fungi. A commercially available, transparent bag, incorporating a micro-filter to allow gaseous exchange, was successfu lly tested, and found to satisfy the basic requirements of low cost, r eady availability, ease of use, and adaptability. Pot cultures were pr oduced and maintained in various substrates with several different pla nts. The system can be used for producing trap cultures, or for initia ting and maintaining pure (multi- and single-spore) ramets of mycorrhi zal members of the Glomales in growth chambers and greenhouses. As wel l as providing a means for maintaining fungal ramet purity, the system has the advantage of requiring less watering and maintenance than ope n pot cultures.