Role of Fungi and Actinomycetes in the Decomposition of Cellulose

Abstract

WAKSMAN¹ has recently demonstrated, by cultural methods, the important role of fungi and actinomycetes in the breakdown of plant tissues in composts and dunghills. The details of the process, however, were not directly observed. I have previously^2,3 described methods, involving the use of polarized light, for the direct microscopical observation of the cytoclastic process in the cæcum and rumen of herbivora. These methods have since been applied to the study of the decomposition of vegetable materials in animal fæces, composts and dunghills. The role of Fungi and Actinomycetes in the breakdown of cellulose thereby immediately became conspicuous. Disintegration of the cell-wall constituents was directly evidenced by loss of double-refraction and by disappearance of microchemical reaction in the affected structures.