Saprotrophic fungi from Juniperus deppeana (Cupressaceae) forest: isolation, identification, in vitro culture, and preservation

The alteration of forests due to anthropogenic activities and natural phenomena has led to the development of adaptive features so that organisms can tolerate it or use it to their benefit. In this study, saprotrophic fungi from a disturbed Juniperus deppeana forest were isolated and identified for in vitro propagation. Thirty-one specimens were collected and propagated on malt extract agar (EMA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), Kraft lignin agar (A-L) and mineral medium (MM). Taxonomic identification was performed on the basis of macro- and micromorphological characters of the basidiomata, and was complemented by phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences. Only 7 strains grew under in vitro conditions; they grew best in EMA and PDA media. Room temperature (~22 °C) and preservation at 4 °C were the best conditions to maintain the viability of the strains. After 6 months, strains preserved in glycerol (15%) at 4° and -20 °C were not viable. The isolated fungi belong to the genera Agrocybe, Byssomerulius, Coniophora and Gymnopus. Given the environmental conditions where the strains were isolated, they represent new research prospects for obtaining biomolecules of biotechnological interest.