CITRATE AGAR

The iron bacteria oxidize ferrous iron to ferric state, which precipitate as ferric hydroxide around cells. These bacteria are usually non-filamentous and spherical or rod shaped. Certain algae also transform ferrous salts to ferric state and deposit the precipitation around the colonies. The ferric hydroxide deposits give a brown or rust red colour to these organisms. Citrate Agar is recommended by Subba Rao for the isolation and detection of iron bacteria. A modification of the original formulation of Subba Rao is recommended by APHA for the isolation of heterotrophic iron-precipitating bacteria.

for cultivation of iron bacteria from soil