Studies on Actinomycetes from Soils of Baffin Island

Abstract

Investigations were made of the abundance and relative incidence of different types of actinomycetes in soil samples from Baffin Island, Northwest Territories. Numbers were relatively low in all samples examined, and no specific group predominated. Cultures grown at 26°C. showed greater metabolic activity than when grown at 10°C., and isolates from different soils varied in degree of activity. Ammonium nitrogen proved to be the best nitrogen source. A comparatively wide range of carbon compounds was utilized; glucose, fructose, mannitol, raffinose and sucrose were the best sources. Moderate growth of a large number of isolates was also obtained with acetate, fumarate, pyruvate and succinate. With one exception the incidence of actinomycetes antagonistic toward bacteria, yeasts and fungi was remarkably high in the soils studied. The samples did, however, differ in proportion of antagonistic types.