Rationale:

The purpose of this lab was to collect a soil sample and determine if there are arthrobacter phages present. The results of the plaque assay were negative, and the top agar control was contaminated. Due to this, new soil needs to be collected. The procedures done before will be repeated on Soil B to test for the presence of arthrobacter bacteriophages. The group question for groups 7 and 8 was to determine if the presence of phage differed between the soils around Red and White Oak trees.

Description of Procedure:

1. Group 8 (my group) was assigned to collect soil from the base of a Red Oak tree, and Group 7 was assigned to collect soil from a White Oak.
2. Soil was obtained from around a Red Oak near the Baylor Law School and McLane Stadium.
3. The survey was completed. The circumference of the tree, canopy width, and height of the tree were recorded for meta data. It was noted that the tree had no visible damage. The tree also had a large population of fire ants living around it. Leaves were also collected.
4. The soil sample was put into a bag, and 2 ml were put into a 15 ml tube. Both the bag and the tube were labeled LIP 9-5-18 Soil B.
5. The soil was taken back to the lab and will be stored in the refrigerator until Monday, 9-10-18 to preserve it in its current condition.

Observations/Data/Results:

• Observations:
  • The red oak tree had good, moist soil.
  • There were fire ants on and around the tree
  • The tree was close to McLane Stadium and the Baylor Law School.
• Data:
  • Tree height: 12 m
  • Tree Circumference: 96 cm
  • More data submitted through survey, as well as pictures.

Interpretations/Next Steps/Conclusions:
The collection of Soil B was complete. It will be stored until Monday, 9-10-18 in the refrigeration. The next step will be to wash the soil. We will also be adding 0.5 mL of Arthro, and incubating for 48 hours at 28 degrees Celsius. The collection procedure went more smoothly the second time than the first time.