ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON TILE SYMBIOSIS OF TER ITOMYCES ...

7-4-2
DYIng of cellophane strlpxo
Approximateir 3a of pro-cut standard non-mistureproof cellophane
strips (2 x5 cm) were boiled In 2 changes of 500 ml distilled vater to
remove plasticizers. The hot water was removed and 500 ml of cold
distilled water added* and heated to 800C while stirring to keep the
strips
333-
I suispendiid le'S'_g of hemazol Brilliant Blue R dri was added., 20 ed
of sodium sulphatia solution
(30 a In 100 ml IH20 at 800C) was added at
2 minute intervals- over a period, of 10 minutes., Then A solution of
2q64 -g trisodium orthophosphateln'15 ml, distilled- 1120 atý SOOC was
added* -The solution was-left at 8CPC for 20 minutes and then washed
with hot water iintil the washings were colourless. The strips were
then autoclaved In 2 changes of II Hn.
0 for 15 rdnutes at 15 lbs
pressure to remove further excess colour.
Experimental procedure,
The strips were placed on agar plates of selective medium (without
the cellophane overlay) and Inoculated with TermitoWcez frM different
temitO 9POcI099 Five strips were set up for each species, These were
then Incubated at 2910C for two weeks ww the growth of the cultures an
the dyed films were measured,
Utraction of the dyed films*
After two weeks growth the cultures wero rmoved from the dyed
strips* The fungus was brushed off the film with a paintbrush dipped
In distilled water to ensure that no extra ougar, 39 which cause purpling
of the extracto were presente The films were then autoclavod in 50 ml
distilled vater to remove unbound dye and any metabolic products that
may have accimalatedg and then autoclaved in 60 ml of 0,5% solution of
KC0 to extract the dye rm&Lning In the strip, The optical density of