DEHYDRATED CULTURE MEDIA 237 



MEDIA FOR MYCOLOGY 



The study of yeasts and molds is one of the oldest branches of microbiology. 

 The importance of this group of microorganisms in many fields is being recog- 

 nized. Particular mention may be made of the role of yeasts and molds in relation 

 to sanitary control, in the production of antibiotics and other industrial fermenta- 

 tions, as the causative agents of infections in animals and plants, the deterioration 

 of fabrics and many other applications. 



The value of selective media for the initial cultivation of pathogenic fungi 

 particularly has been demonstrated by numerous investigators. They have shown 

 that many fungi prefer neutral or slightly alkaline rather than acid reactions for 

 early and luxuriant growth. Earlier media for fungi generally relied on the acid 

 reaction to make the medium less suited for the growth of many bacteria. More 

 recently developed media and modifications use neutral or slightly alkaline reac- 

 tions, antibiotics, bile salts and dyes as selective agents against bacteria without 

 effecting the growth of fungi. The results obtained with these selective media 

 make their consideration important by any laboratory interested in the isolation 

 and cultivation of fungi. 



Plant diseases are exceedingly important from an economic point of view. The 

 great majority of these diseases are undoubtedly due to infections by molds, and 

 other fungi, viruses and bacteria. For the purpose of assisting the plant pathologist 

 and mycologist in his studies incident to the investigation and control of the plant 

 diseases, we have developed in our laboratories a number of dehydrated culture 

 media. The formulae chosen for this group of media have been devised and 

 selected with the cooperation of scientists engaged in active research in problems 

 of plant pathology. Since no universal standard formulae prevail, selections have 

 been based on the general usefulness of the media. The developments and applica- 

 tions of pure culture methods from a phytopathological point of view have 

 aroused interest in the study of systematic mycology. The use of dehydrated cul- 

 ture media brings into such work the development of definite standards of uni- 

 formity and comparability. 



The media listed in this section are employed for the cultivation, isolation and 

 identification of these microorganisms. Some are recommended for pathogenic 

 fungi, while other media are primarily for the cultivation of non-pathogenic 

 yeasts and molds. 



