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Author Topic: Long-term viability of cubensis spores?  (Read 55 times)

thallium

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Long-term viability of cubensis spores?
« on: February 02, 2011, 01:09:49 PM »
Anyone know how many years you can store spore prints of P. cubensis before they loose viability? I found some 5 year old spore prints tucked away in a ziplock bag in my desk, and I'm not sure if there's any point in "sowing" them?

(Also; hi to all my fellow bees!)

x0chipilli

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Re: Long-term viability of cubensis spores?
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2011, 02:08:40 PM »
My very first grow failed but I had saved the remains of the print. It was B+ and by the time I had learned how to get threw the process, I wasn't so interested in that strain. Sat around for 6 years before I decided "why not". worked like a champ.

I have read of 20 year spores germinating just fine. Spores happen to be one of the hardest substances on earth. The longer they sit, the more a pre-hydration seems to help. I often make a syringe and use it right away with no foul results when using fresher prints (less than 6 months old). But you'll want to let it sit in the syringe a day or more as is typically recommended.
« Last Edit: February 02, 2011, 02:10:20 PM by x0chipilli »

thallium

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Re: Long-term viability of cubensis spores?
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2011, 03:32:11 PM »
Perfect, I was planning on throwing them out and getting new ones, so thank you! Now to dust off the ancient pressure cooker...

OoBYCoO

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Re: Long-term viability of cubensis spores?
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2011, 04:08:19 PM »
Yup Yup what x0 said was right on the money!   ;D  You want to let the spores sit in the syringe for at least 24 hours to rehydrate.  Fresh prints can be used right away.  Also, if you do agar work you can put a single drop on the print w/ distilled water (that has been pc'ed) take your inoculating loop and swirl the water, then streak across your plate.  Best of luck!  What var is your print?

thallium

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Re: Long-term viability of cubensis spores?
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2011, 04:49:48 PM »
24 hours it is, then :) The old prints are F+ and GT, and I've got a fairly fresh one of Pensacola.

OoBYCoO

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Re: Long-term viability of cubensis spores?
« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2011, 04:59:52 PM »
Sweet!  I just noc'ed up some jars!  Albino A+, Freestone Texas, and Redboy
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