Sclerotization as a long-term preservation method for Rosellinia necatrix strains

摘要

This work describes a simple protocol for longterm preservation of strains of Rosellinia necatrix based on sclerotia production combined with storage at 4C in liquid substrate, without affecting the growth and pathogenic characteristics of the fungal isolates recovered. The sclerotization process was set up in both liquid and solid media, and the sclerotia-like structures (pseudosclerotia) obtained were preserved in liquid media or water at 4C. R. necatrix pseudosclerotia viability after 6 years of preservation at 4C was con?rmed by growth and microscopic characteristics, with no differences when compared with the fungal strains routinely preserved by periodic transfers. Additionally, pathogenicity on avocado plants by the preserved R. necatrix strains showed no difference from those preserved by periodic transfers. The albino strain used in this study should continue to be preserved by periodic subculturing.