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A simple method of storing nonsynnematous and synnematous isolates of Hirsutella thompsonii while conserving their pleomorphism, pathogenicity and genetic purity

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Abstract

Five nonsynnematous and six synnematous isolates of the acaropathogenic fungus Hirsutella thompsonii were successfully stored as mycelial beads in sterile water under refrigeration. They were viable for up to 96 months without any adverse effect on their pleomorphic characteristics. Besides, there was loss neither in pathogenicity nor in genetic purity. Thus, mycelial beads can now be an addition to the list of fungal propagules that are amenable to storage in sterile water over a long period.

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Acknowledgment

The authors immensely thank Dr. Richard A. Humber, Insect Mycologist and Curator, USDA-ARS Collection of Entomopathogenic Fungal Cultures, USDA-ARS Biological Integrated Pest Management Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA, for the pre-submission review and useful comments on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 2491, H.A. Farm Post, Hebbal, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560 024, India

    Prakya Sreerama Kumar & Leena Singh

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  1. Prakya Sreerama Kumar
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  2. Leena Singh
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Correspondence to Prakya Sreerama Kumar.

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Sreerama Kumar, P., Singh, L. A simple method of storing nonsynnematous and synnematous isolates of Hirsutella thompsonii while conserving their pleomorphism, pathogenicity and genetic purity. Folia Microbiol 57, 15–19 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-011-0087-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-011-0087-0

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