Potato Carrot Agar is used for the reproduction of Pyronema domesticum and for the cultivation and maintenance of Actinoplanes awajinensis , Actinoplanes nirasakiensis , Amorphosphorangium auranticolor , Streptomyces flavus and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris.
The medium is prepared based on formula originally designed by Langeron and Vanbreuseghem in 1952 (1) and recommended by Onions (2) and Atlas and Parks (3). This is a weak or starvation medium suitable for conservation of organisms. The medium restricts mycelial growth and promotes relatively high proportion of spores. The fungi grown on this medium when subsequently inoculated into richer medium yield rich growth (2).
Carrot and potato infusions provide the necessary carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins for limited growth of organisms, thereby providing an environment only for the existence rather than their growth.
Directions: Suspend 24 grams in 1000 ml distilled water. Heat to boiling to dissolve the medium completely. Sterilize by autoclaving at 15 lbs pressure (121°C) for 15 minutes. Mix well and pour into sterile Petri plates.