EFFECT OF DIFFUSIBLE INHIBITORS IN SOIL ON SPORE GERMINATION AND GERM TUBE GROWTH OF PENCILLIUM EXPANSION

Abstract

Pencillium expansum spore germination was inhibited on agar discs placed on cellophane on the unsterilized soil surface. But germination was not inhibited on discs separated from the soil by glass slides. Thus there is evidence for the presence of diffusible non-volatile inhibitors in these soils. The germination of spores on agar discs placed on autoclaved sterilized soil occur and shows that micro-organisms may be one of the producers of non-volatile inhibitors: