Laboratory Maintenance and Culturing of the Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora

Nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) and nematodes are common and sympatric in nature. The molecular basis that underlies this interkingdom predator-prey interaction remains largely uncharacterized. Both NTF and nematodes can be easily isolated from soil samples. NTF do not form traps in nutrient-rich environments, yet trap morphogenesis can be observed under nutrient-poor conditions and upon simultaneous sensing of the nematode cues. Here, we present protocols for laboratory maintenance and culturing of the model NTF Arthrobotrys oligospora. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Growth of nematode-trapping fungi on solid medium Basic Protocol 2: Growth of nematode-trapping fungi in liquid medium Basic Protocol 3: Collection of conidia from solid medium Support Protocol 1: Preparation of Miracloth filter funnel Basic Protocol 4: Induction of trap morphogenesis Alternate Protocol: Quantitative measurement of trap induction Support Protocol 2: Preparation of synchronized C. elegans L4 Basic Protocol 5: Establishing C. elegans survival rate upon exposure to A. oligospora Basic Protocol 6: Storage of nematode-trapping fungi strains.