5 replies to this topic

[VenomousBeast]

So, since I've been stuck inside and am bored out of my mind, I decided to do a little science experiment! I found a paper talking about growing Atta mexicana fungus in a culture. The point was to grow the fungus isolated from the ants and see if it would grow. I've got everything all setup and ready to go, I just need one last thing. I need leafcutter ant fungus! I don't own any leafcutters at the moment (Trachymyrmex sept. as it's the only one native). But I would be very grateful if someone is willing to share some fungus. *I don't need the ants* and because I don't need the ants, I can buy from anyone within and outside my state right?? If that's the case, I am willing to pay for it! 

[Temperateants]

According to AC (I don't have the best source, sorry) the ants have a secondary bacteria on their bodies that help suppress other parasitic fungi. 

[VenomousBeast]

Yes, this is true, but that is why the medium (PDA) is sterilized and treated to ensure there are no contamination. All I'd have to do is inoculate the medium in a sterile area and it'll grow what I want. In this case, hopefully leafcutter ant fungus.

[Temperateants]

Yes, this is true, but that is why the medium (PDA) is sterilized and treated to ensure there are no contamination. All I'd have to do is inoculate the medium in a sterile area and it'll grow what I want. In this case, hopefully leafcutter ant fungus.

The concern is that the fungus already has spores on it, which is why the ants need to tend to it, it'll just grow out of control without the ants.

[VenomousBeast]

I mean, that is true, but I'll just get an acetate wash for the fungus, which kills spores (which the leafcutter fungus does not have)

This isn't the first experiment done this way either: https://www.redalyc....hxX60g_Mwk93Nmk

[VenomousBeast]

So, back to the question: Does anyone have any fungus I could have?