If you are interested in long term storage specialized long temperature cryoprotection is the best bet. However the use of preservation in soil can be a way of long term storage without specialized equipment needs. Under sterilized water can work for immediate terms with re-culturing based on protocols to regenerate the cultures. One of the biggest issues is that under repeated culturing the genetics and reactions of isolates can change. Lowering the metabolism in the storage system greatly reduces this such as minimal nutrient media storage at low but not super low temperature etc. For Pythium and Phytopthora your storage may be favored by your ability to get Oospores which have thick walls that resistance conditions of the storage more easily.

I would suggest that you store them in sterile water and keep them in the dark at room temperature.

Thanks for you suggestions.

Hi, 

I agree with Aloesi to store them in sterile water but its even better to keep these cultures in a simple fridge. 

As Paul Reed mentioned biggest problem with Phytophthora and Pythium culture is that they loose viability with in a short span of time, hence has to be passed through host quite frequently.

We are also looking for short term at least 6 months or long term storage of Phytophthora cajani.....if anyone has some references on storage please share.

Your can store in sterile double distilled or milli Q water at -200C or more lower temperature. 

Thanks all for sharing your views!

Prof.,

Thanks for showing interest. I have stored my fungal cultures in water two months before and i re cultured them on CMA. Still they are viable. Hope to get good results regarding long term storage.

Regards !

Sajjad Hyder, The ability to produce oospores and chlamydospores is probably a necessity to give potential for long term storage. Considering the wide range of species the conditions will probably vary from species to species. A literature review on oospore and chlamydospore generation might be a good starter. Some thoughts. 

Best Luck on your challenges. 

Hani Antoun,

Than what you suggest? What is your experience?