[Degradation of cellulose by micromonospores]

Sodium benzoate is suggested as an inhibitor of cellulose decomposing bacteria and fungi for detecting and counting micromonospores. Cellulose decomposing micromonospores were found in the zone adjacent to the roots of winter wheat and maize; their number, cellulose decomposing activity, morphological, physiological, and antagonistic properties were determined. Pasteurization of the material taken from colonies grown on cellulose is recommended for isolation of pure cultures.