Lyophilization, vacuum drying, and subsequent storage of Nosema pyrausta spores

Methods of preserving Nosema pyrausta spores were developed by subjecting laboratoryreared, nondiapausing larvae of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, infected with N. pyrausta to different techniques of lyophilization and vacuum drying. Such material was still viable when it was stored in an airtight container and held at ?12°C for 12 months, or when it was stored in a vacuum desiceator and held at 22–24°C for 6 months.