We are happy to perform the following tests on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on roots and soil or product samples for you:

1. article no. 0005 AMF – degree of colonization

By determining the degree of colonization of root samples from a site, it is possible to check whether AMF mycorrhizal fungi are present and to what extent they have been able to establish an intact mycorrhizal symbiosis. Duration of the test: up to 20 samples approx. 2 weeks.

2. article no. 0006 AMF – spore count in soil/product samples

The spore count in a soil sample or product containing AMF mycorrhizal fungi can be quickly determined by sieve analysis. However, this method counts only the spores of the fungus, i.e. not all infective units (hyphae, colonized roots). Furthermore, it does not provide information about the vitality of the existing mycorrhizal fungi. Duration: up to 20 samples approx. 2 weeks.

3. article no. 0007 AMF- count of infective colonization units in soil/product samples

The number of infective colonization units in a soil sample or product sample is calculated using the Most-Probable-Number Test (MPN). By culturing seedlings from sowing in several dilutions of the starting material and investigate entire root systems for colonization with AMF mycorrhizal fungi at the end of the cultivation period, a statement on the number of infective colonization units per volume of sample material can be calculated. Since the MPN is a bioassay, only vital mycorrhizal fungi are counted.
 
Please note: The MPN test can only be performed during the growing season from March to August. Allow approximately 3 months for evaluation.

Test methods:
Staining: Phillips & Hayman, 1970; degree of colonization: Trouvelot, 1986; sieve analysis: Daniels & Skipper, 1982; MPN: Interest Group “Application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in practice”, 1999, and Feldmann and Idczak, 1994.

Notes on research requests.

Please contact Bea Ceipek at ceipek@pflanzenkultur.de to make an appointment with the laboratory. Samples not advised cannot be processed.
 
We can only perform testing of root and soil/product samples if a written testing order is received. After making an appointment with the laboratory, you will be sent the test order form. Please fill it out legibly and enclose it with the shipment.
 

Method of taking root samples

Dig a small hole next to the plant and carefully prick off roots (do not take too many roots so as not to damage the plant). We need as fine roots as possible with at least 5 cm length for an examination. You should take about 10 such root pieces from one plant. Wrap the roots in damp kitchen paper and pack them in a well-sealed freezer bag. Please label them legibly and waterproof. Send the sample to us immediately with the fully completed test order.

Method of taking soil samples

Locate the site from which you would like a soil analysis (e.g., field, bed, roadside green, vegetable garden). Poke into the soil with a spade or small shovel (about 5-10 cm deep). From the resulting gap, take out about 100 ml (one cup) of soil. Repeat this about 10 to 15 times in different parts of the bed and mix the different samples well together.
Fill 500 ml of your mixed sample into a freezer bag and label the sample legibly and waterproof. Then send us the sample immediately with the fully completed test order.

Investigation report

You will receive an examination report from us after completion of the examinations. The duration of the examinations is listed in the method overview.

Terms of payment

Together with the examination report you will receive the invoice for our service. The payment has to be made net after 14 days.