Viability of Mold Cultures Stored at: 20 degrees C

Abstract

Fungus cultures on agar slants may be preserved by simply placing them in a freezer at -17[degree]C to -21[degree]C. Cultures from a general collection of Hyphomycetes, Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes and yeasts were checked for viability after varying periods of freezer storage. Of 100 strains stored for 1 year, only 1 did not grow when thawed and transferred to fresh culture medium. Of 400 strains stored for 2 years, 7 were not viable and 1 was contaminated. Of 100 strains stored for 3 years and 9 months, 3 were not viable. Of 291 strains stored for 5 years, 15 were not viable. This method was found to be suitable for certain fungi which do not survive the freeze-drying process.