Growth and capture activities of nematophagous fungi in soil visualized bylow temperature scanning electron microscopy

Growth and capture activities of nematophagous fungi in soil were observed using the low temperature scanning electron microscopy technique. The advan tages of this sample preparation technique, compared with conventional scan ning electron microscopy, are that it does not involve chemical fixation an d dehydration of the sample and, therefore, gives a more accurate view of o rgan isms in soil. Growth, sporulation, trap formation, capture and digesti on of nematodes were observed in soil using the nematode-trapping fungi Art hrobotrys superba, A. dactyloides and A. oligospora CT, and the endoparasit e Drechmeria coniospora.