Incidence of keratinophilic fungi in rice-field soils.

Soil samples from rice-fields, collected at monthly intervals, were analysed by baiting technique for the incidence of keratinophilic fungi. Nine species, among a total of 102 species isolated by various methods, were keratinophilic species (8.8%). These were recorded from 38 out of 45 samples collected. The distribution pattern of the different keratinophilic fungi and their significance are discussed.