Such tubs should be easily sterilized by autoclaving to prevent cross-contamination of genotypes. Dry harvested spore material at about 30 C for about 48 hours. When material is sufficiently dry it may be stored indefinitely at room temperature, i.e. for at least several years. Refrigeration is not recommended. Small amounts of spores can be decanted directly from glassine envelopes while retaining sporophytic material.
Gentle agitation can help to release additional spores.
These sieves have 425 and 250 m openings, respectively. Small batches of dried fertile fronds are placed onto a No. 40 sieve and lightly ground with the base of a 25 ml graduated cylinder. This grinding action should release nearly all of the spores by breaking up the fertile frond material, but not completely pulverizing it. 60 sieves to the collection pan while the fertile frond material is retained. Store dry spores at room temperature in the dark in screw cap containers.