The influence of long-term preservation in lyophilized state on the survival, the morphology and antibiotic activity of three streptomycetes strains Streptomyces galbus (F) subsp. achromogenes 695, Str. albogriseolus 444 and Streptomyces sp. T-741 was studied. It was established that viability of the strains depended not only on the conditions of lyophilization but also on the physiological state and strain features of the cultures. The spores of the strain 695, 444 and T-741 remained viable 13, 21 and 8 years respectively. At the same time an increase of the polymorphism of the strains 695 and 444 and appearance of new morphological types was observed. The method of lyophilization was suitable also for long-term storage of antibiotic activity of the three strains. The activity was retained to 80-90% from initial one
