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 and inexpensive method for producing and maintaining pot cultures of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. A commercially available, transparent bag, incorporating a micro-filter to allow gaseous exchange, was successfully tested, and found to satisfy the basic requirements of low cost, ready availability, ease of use, and adaptability. Pot cultures were produced and maintained in various substrates with several different plants. The system can be used for producing trap cultures, or for initiating and maintaining pure (multi- and single-spore) ramets of mycorrhizal members of the Glomales in growth chambers and greenhouses. As well as providing a means for maintaining fungal ramet purity, the system has the advantage of requiring less watering and maintenance than open pot cultures.