Evaluation of the effect of cryopreservation of Pleurotus spp. strains on carpophore production.

The effect of the cryopreservation of six Pleurotus strains was evaluated. Primordia initiation, number of flushes, biological efficiency and fruiting body size obtained with respect to pileus diameter was recorded. These strains were previously evaluated before storage in liquid nitrogen. Variation in the number of flushes (3-4), the fruiting body size (< 5 cm at > 15 cm) and biological efficiency was observed. This varied according to the strain used, ranging from 55-105.6%. The fruiting bodies of the cryopreserved strains did not differ with respect to the untreated strains.