Preservation methods for filamentous fungi vary depending on
the type and degree of sporulation. Spore-forming strains (with
the exception of zoosporic fungi) can usually be freeze-dried
successfully. Similar success with nonsporulating strains is far less
likely. Both types can be frozen and stored for long periods in liquid
nitrogen or liquid nitrogen vapor. All plasmid-containing or mutant
strains should be frozen directly from the original material if
possible to prevent any alteration or loss of desired characteristics.
The following overview discusses preservation methods used
at ATCC and is presented for descriptive purposes only; it is not
intended as a laboratory protocol. Anyone planning to preserve
cultures by these methods is strongly advised to study detailed,
published protocols before proceeding.