PRESERVING CULTURES OF WOOD-DECAYING BASIDIOMYCOTINA USING STERILE DISTILLED WATER IN CRYOVIALS

Prior to 1985, cultures at the Center for Forest Mycology Research were maintained on 1.5% malt extract agar test-tube slants. This system not only made it necessary to transfer the entire collection every year but also permitted genetic change because continual growth occurred. In 1985, the method of storing fungal cultures in sterile distilled water in cryovials was introduced. This study reports on the use of this method for long-term fungal storage. For varying periods up to 7 years, 151 miscellaneous species of wood-decaying Basidiomycotina were stored in sterile distilled water. Water storage has numerous advantages: culture viability or growth rate is not significantly influenced; isolates can be stored longer; genetic stability is greater; the method is quick, easy, and inexpensive, and requires less space.