Fungal pathogens pose a major challenge to agricultural and biological research and require effective methods for their handling, cultivation, preservation and resuscitation. The handling of fungal pathogens requires strict adherence to biosafety protocols to prevent contamination and ensure laboratory safety. Proper techniques, such as aseptic transfer and the use of laminar flow cabinets, are essential for maintaining pure cultures. Cultivation of fungal pathogens requires the selection of appropriate growth media, which vary depending on the nutritional and environmental requirements of the pathogen (Pitt and Hocking, Fungi and food spoilage, 3rd edn. 2009). Common media include potato dextrose agar (PDA) and yeast extract peptone dextrose (YEPD) supplemented with specific nutrients or inhibitors to promote fungal growth while suppressing contaminants. Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and pH are critical for optimizing fungal development. Preservation methods are critical for maintaining the viability and genetic stability of fungi over time. Techniques such as cryopreservation at −80 °C and freeze-drying (lyophilization) are often used for long-term preservation. For short-term storage, fungal cultures can be stored on agar plates or in sterile distilled water at suitable temperatures (Nakasone et al, Biodiversity of fungi: inventory and monitoring methods 2004). These methods help to preserve the pathogenic and phenotypic characteristics required for subsequent studies. To revive preserved fungal cultures, they must be carefully thawed and cultured under optimal conditions. This process includes rehydration, inoculation on fresh culture media and incubation in a growth-promoting environment. Particular attention is paid to recovering viable and uncontaminated cultures, which is crucial for subsequent experiments. Molecular and morphological studies can be performed to confirm the identity and integrity of the recovered pathogen. Effective management of fungal pathogens through these techniques supports advances in disease diagnostics, pathogen resistance research and the development of sustainable agricultural practices. Continued refinement of these techniques, along with the integration of molecular tools, improves our understanding and control of fungal pathogens in diverse systems.