Actinomyces Firefang

Class Actinomyces Order Actinomycetales Family Actinomycetaceae Common Name Firefang. 

Greek Root From acfino meaning rayed or star-like and myces or fungus, in reference to its characteristic appearance when colonizing straw or straw/manure compost. 

Many species thermophilic thriving in the 115-135°F. temperature range and commonly found in decomposing straw, horse and cow manures. Actinomyces are important soil constituents. They thrive in aerobic, well prepared mushroom composts. 

Medium Through Which Contamination Is Spread Primarily air secondarily the straw used in compost preparation. 

Measures of Control Generally no controls are necessary during compost preparation. However, Actinomyces can cause spontaneous combustion in wet, compacted straw. Covering stored baled straw from excess water absorption should be adequate protection from Actinomyces and the thermogenic reactions they cause. 

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Actinomyces are commonly called Firefang for their ability to cause spontaneous combustion of decomposing materials. (Spontaneous combustion Is prevented by proper composting practices.) Many of these bacteria/fungi are true thermophiles and can live aerobically or anaerobically. Actinomyces is the major microorganism selected to colonize the compost during Phase II. When the finished compost is spawned, Actinomyces are consumed by the mushroom mycelia. See aiso Streptomyces. See Color Photo VIII. 

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