A simple technique for establishing axenic cultures of centric diatoms from resting stage cells in bottom sediments.

We devised a simple and rapid technique for establishing axenic cultures of centric diatoms by sieving and washing resting stage cells. This technique is an effective means for establishing the axenic cultures of species that have endogenous resting spores. The primary advantage of this method is in the isolation of cells when the target species is absent from the water column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]