[Survival of epiphytic microorganisms following sublimation dehydration and storage]

Epiphytic microorganisms belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Achromobacter, Flavobacterium, Mycobacterium, Mycococcus, Nocardia, Corynebacterium, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, and Microbacterium were dehydrated by sublimation employing two suspension media, and were stored at 3-5 degrees C during 1-2.5 years. Survival of epiphytic microorganisms upon dehydration by sublimation and storage was found to depend on their taxonomy (genus, species, strain) and the composition of the suspension medium. The cultures can be stored after dehydration during 2-2.5 years.