Dominic Bernardo

O3B

Preservation method Advantages Disadvantages

Storage temperature >OC Technologically simple Basic (phenotypic) characters
Serial transfer (stored at 4C) Allows continuous monitoring of may change
phenotype Continuing need for materials
and labour
Some fungi do not tolerate cold
Mineral oil Inexpensive and technologically Space intensive; tubes must be
simple stored upright
Must inspect periodically for
contaminants
Distilled water stasis Inexpensive and technologically Must check for water levels and
simple contaminants
Needs little space if using small
vials
Lyophil (Freeze-dried) Standard methods can be used Equipment is relatively
for many fungi expensive
Dried cultures can be mailed Ampoules should be refrigerated
Not suitable for some fungi
Storage temperature <0C Inexpensive and technologically Long-term success depends on
Silica Gel simple security of screw-top seal
Uses standard appliance-type
freezers
Can store only one tube per
culture
These may be kept at room
temp. or -20C
Electric (mechanical) Inexpensive and readily available Not recommended (except for
freezers Standard (-20C) silica gel storage)
Subject to losses in event of
power failures
Ultracold (-80 or -120C) Long-term cryostorage without Freezer temperatures favour ice
liquid nitrogen crystal
Convenient and available in Subject to losses during power
many labs failures
Nitrogen back-up is
recommended
Liquid nitrogen (LN2) Unexcelled for duration of High initial and continuing costs
freezers storage Continuous access to LN2 is vital
Long-term viability is maximized
All types of culturable fungi can
be stored
Vapour phase (-120 to - LN2 supply cannot contaminate Temperature is relatively
196C) vials unstable
 No risk of vials exploding when LN2 levels must be monitored
thawed continuously

Liquid phase (-196 C) Temperature is stable during Exclusion of nitrogen from

immersion entering plastic cryovials cannot
Ice crystal formation is unlikely be guaranteed
Monitoring of nitrogen levels is Vial contents may be
minimal contaminated by minimal
Unaffected by loss of electrical nitrogen leakage during storage
service Vials containing LN2 may
explode when thawed