MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY
SERVICES
Mycorrhizal laboratory
in the soil and water science department at the
● MYCORRHIZAL ASSESSMENT: Using dissecting and compound microscopes to diagnose fungal structures in soil or plant roots, to estimate total root length percent colonization, and to identify the AM fungal isolates involved in the association.
● CLASSIFICATION: to identify and/or characterized arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species.
● FIELD SURVEYS: to estimate soil mycorrhizal inoculum potential (MIP) using a bioassay test.
● SUPPLY MYCORRHIZAL INOCULUM: “soil inoculum” of local tested AM fungal isolates will be obtainable for research, field experiment, or for commercial use. Quantity and time of requirement are needed to be scheduled in advance.
● TRAINING: Professional training and workshop for large and small groups that can be organized for scientists, researchers, students, or other interests. Training will include technical procedures for inoculum manipulation and spores isolation. Also, training will include teaching the basic elements for fungal taxonomy using morphological and genetic tools.
SAMPLING
● OBJECTIVES: to assess the mycorrhizal status of field area, plant species, or individual plants.
● PROCEDURE: It is always recommended NOT TO sample the soil or plant at the border of the target areas to avoid the “border effects”. Soil or soil-roots can be collected with hand-operated coring apparatus or small shovel from the upper 10 to 20 cm depth. A representative small sample volume (250 ml) is required for each sample. Place the individual sample in separate plastic bag and secure the content to avoid sample contamination. Clearly label each sample that includes date, location, and objectives.
● SHIPPING: Collect the samples in suitable cardboard box, place in room temperature before shipment. Ground shipment is acceptable if less than seven days. Ship samples to:
MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY
2169 McCarty Hall A
Tel: 352 392 1951 EXT 220
Fax: 352 392 3902
Email: aaag@ufl.edu