Numbers and Types of Bacteria from the Rhizosphere of Pasture Plants : Possible Occurrence of L-forms

Abstract

DURING work on micro-organisms in meadow and pasture soils¹ large numbers and high activity were found in the surface soil layer of 0–5 cm. I decided to investigate the plant roots which form a dense mat in this zone since these might influence microorganisms. Microscopical counts and estimations of the quantity of fungal and actinomycete mycelia in the soil between the roots and in soil washed from the roots were carried out using stained agar films as Jones and Moliison did, but with phase-contrast observation^2,3. Agar plate counts were used as a second method, yielding various results, and an attempt; to explain this is the purpose of this communication.