The preservation of edible mushroom strains plays a crucial role in maintaining their superior genetic traits and ensuring the long-term availability of high-quality varieties. It is just as important as the selection and breeding of new strains, serving as an essential step in the production process of edible fungi. However, formal and advanced storage methods often require specialized equipment and technical expertise, which may not be accessible to most mushroom farmers. As a result, simple and practical techniques using common materials are more widely adopted.
One such method involves sealing the bottom of the test tube with a sterile rubber plug and paraffin wax, then placing it inside a sealed wide-mouth bottle or plastic bag. This technique allows for storage of 2 to 5 months, depending on environmental conditions. Another approach is paraffin sealing: cut wax paper into 6–8 cm squares, soak them in 75% alcohol for one minute, then use sterilized tweezers to place them over the mouth of a previously sterilized test tube. After immersing the wax paper in molten paraffin, ensure that it fully covers the tube’s opening without any air gaps. Once cooled, the sealed tubes can be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature.
For cellophane-sealed gelatin, mix 15 grams of binder, 2 grams of copper sulfate, and 1–2 drops of methylene blue in 100 ml of hot water to create a sealing agent. Place the agar slant upside down, apply the sealing agent, cover with cellophane soaked in 95% alcohol, and seal with paraffin wax. This method can preserve the strain for up to 8 months, effectively preventing contamination by mold or insects. Injecting sterile mineral oil (liquid paraffin) onto the culture slope significantly extends the shelf life of the strain.
Another traditional method involves using composted manure for storing grass mushrooms and similar fungi. Mix 300 grams of dried compost, sieve it through a 5 mm mesh, add 1000 ml of water to achieve the right moisture level, and fill a test tube up to one-third to one-half of its depth. Sterilize under 0.15 MPa pressure for 2 hours. After confirming sterility, inoculate the culture, and once the mycelium is fully developed, store the tubes in a refrigerator at 3°C. Every two years, the strain should be re-inoculated onto fresh agar slants to maintain viability. If the medium dries out during storage, the strain can be revived by transferring it back to an agar slant before continuing storage.
This method has been successfully used for over four years, with no significant changes observed in the strain's production characteristics. These techniques demonstrate that effective mushroom preservation does not always require expensive equipment, making it accessible and sustainable for small-scale growers.
Acrylic Tape,Red Acrylic Tape,Acrylic Packaging Tape,Acrylic Double Sided Tape
Kunshan Jieyudeng Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.jerrytape.com