Growing Mushrooms

How to Grow Mycelium in Petri Dishes

Justin Casey 0 Comments February 25, 2023

Growing Mycelium

If you like growing mushrooms, you may want to learn how to grow mycelium in petri dishes. Mycelium refers to the vegetative part of fungi. More specifically, it consists of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. Agar petri dishes are commonly used to grow and study mycelium. And now, here are some steps to help you grow mycelium in an agar petri dish:

Materials:

Agar petri dish
Fungal spores or mycelium
Sterile water or broth
Sterile syringe or pipette
Incubator or warm location (around 25-30°C)

Steps:

Prepare the agar according to the instructions on the nutrient mix package, as described in the previous answer.
Inoculate the agar with either fungal spores, liquid culture or mycelium. If using spores, use a sterile syringe or pipette. Place a drop of sterile water or broth containing the spores onto the center of the agar. When using mycelium, transfer a small piece of the mycelium onto the agar using sterile forceps.
Seal the petri dish with tape or parafilm to prevent contamination.
Incubate the petri dish at around 25-30°C in an incubator or warm location. Sometimes, different fungi may have different optimal temperatures. Consult literature or research publications for specific temperature recommendations.
Observe the growth of the mycelium over the next few days or weeks. As the mycelium grows, it should form a visible network of branching hyphae.
In order to study the mycelium further, you can transfer a small piece of the mycelium onto a new petri dish with fresh agar. This process is called subculturing. Repeat multiple times to create a pure culture of the fungus.

How to identify healthy mycelium in petri dish

When growing mycelium in a petri dish, it is important to identify healthy mycelium and differentiate it from other types of growth or contamination. Here are some characteristics of healthy mycelium to look for:

Appearance: Healthy mycelium should appear as a network of branching, thread-like hyphae that form a visible layer on the surface of the agar. As such, the color of the mycelium will depend on the type of fungus being grown. It should be uniform and not have any discoloration or dark spots.
Growth rate: Healthy mycelium should be growing at a steady rate. If the mycelium growth is slow, uneven or non-uniform, this could indicate an issue with the growth conditions, such as temperature or nutrient availability.
Texture: Healthy mycelium should have a smooth texture on the surface of the agar. If the surface appears rough, uneven or bumpy, this could indicate contamination or a growth problem.
Odor: Healthy mycelium does not typically produce any odor. However, if the mycelium has a foul or unusual odor, this is a sign of contamination or other issues.
Lack of contamination: Healthy mycelium should not have any other types of growth or contamination in the petri dish. If there are spots or growth that are different from the mycelium, this could indicate contamination or issues with the growth conditions.

It is important to maintain a sterile working environment and use proper techniques to prevent contamination in your cultures. For example, always wear gloves and a lab coat, and sterilize any equipment and surfaces that will come into contact with your cultures.

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Rare and Exotic Mushroom Genetics

Growing Mushrooms agar, petri, petri dishes

How to Make Agar Petri Dishes

Justin Casey 0 Comments February 22, 2023

Agar Petri Dishes

Agar petri dishes are commonly used in microbiology to culture microorganisms. Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed that provides a solid surface for microorganisms to grow on. Here is a simple recipe for making agar for petri dishes:

Materials:

500 mL distilled water
12 g potato flakes
8 g agar
4 g corn syrup
1/2 g peptone
1 tsp blue food coloring

Equipment:

saucepan
rubber spatula
digital scale
glass jars or bottles
autoclave or pressure cooker
petri dishes or plastic cups

Steps:

In a saucepan, mix together water, potao flakes, agar, corn syrup and peptone. Stir until dissolved.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Remove from heat, then add blue food coloring and stir.
Pour liquid into jars or bottles, then place in pressure cooker or autoclave. Make sure lids are loose and covered with foil to prevent water from getting inside.
Cook at 15 psi for 30 minutes.
Once pressure is completely released, remove jars or bottles and set aside to cool slightly.
Pour liquid into sterilized petri dishes or plastic cups.
Let the agar cool and solidify before using.

If you have an autoclave or pressure cooker, you can also sterilize the agar after it has been poured into the petri dishes. This will kill any microorganisms that may be present. It also prevents contamination of your cultures. To sterilize the agar, place the petri dishes in the autoclave or pressure cooker and heat at 121°C for 15-20 minutes.

How to Identify Contamination on Agar

Identifying contamination on agar petri dishes is an important aspect of microbiology. Contamination can occur if microorganisms from the environment or improper technique enter the culture. Here are some steps to help you identify contamination on agar petri dishes:

Observe the agar surface. The surface of a healthy culture should be smooth, even, and without any discoloration or texture. If there are raised or sunken spots, or the agar is discolored or cloudy, this may indicate contamination.
Look for visible growth. Contaminants can grow on the surface of the agar and appear as fuzzy or opaque spots. Healthy cultures should only have growth of the desired microorganisms. No other types of growth should be visible.
Smell the culture. If the culture has a foul or unpleasant odor, this may indicate contamination.
Check for any changes in the agar’s appearance. If the agar becomes liquid or gelatinous, this can be a sign of contamination. Additionally, if there is any bubbling or frothing on the surface of the agar, this can also indicate contamination.
If you suspect contamination, transfer a small sample of the growth to a new petri dish containing fresh agar. Should the growth on the new plate differ from the original culture, this is a sign of contamination.
Problems identifying contamination at this point requires microscopy or biochemical testing to identify the contaminating organism.

It is important to maintain a sterile working environment. Also, use proper techniques to prevent contamination in your cultures. Always wear gloves and a lab coat, and sterilize any equipment and surfaces that will come into contact with your cultures.

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Rare and Exotic Mushroom Genetics

Growing Mushrooms grain, grain spawn, spawn

How to Make Grain Spawn

Justin Casey 0 Comments February 22, 2023

Grain spawn for growing mushrooms

Making grain spawn is an important step for growing mycelium. Sterilized grain such as rye, wheat, oats, birdseed or millet is inoculated with spores or mycelium. The mycelium grows throughout the grain, creating a dense mass of fungal tissue that can be used to inoculate a substrate. Common substrates include sawdust, wood chips, coco coir and straw.

Here are the general steps for making grain spawn:

Start by sterilizing your chosen grain in a pressure cooker or autoclave. The goal is to kill any potential contaminants and create a sterile environment for the mushroom mycelium to grow. See below for complete instructions.
Once the grain has been sterilized, allow it to cool to room temperature.
Inoculate the cooled grain with the grain spawn, liquid culture or spores. Work in a sterile environment or by using a syringe to inject the spores or liquid culture into the grain. Work in front of a flow hood or in an airless chamber if possible.
Allow the grain to incubate in a warm, dark place until the mycelium has fully colonized the grain. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the species of mushroom and the conditions of your incubation setup.
Once the mycelium has fully colonized the grain, it is ready to be used to inoculate your substrate. This can be done by mixing the grain spawn with your chosen substrate and allowing it to incubate until the mushrooms begin to fruit.

Mycelium colonizing in grain

Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus that is made up of a network of thread-like structures called hyphae. When you inoculate grain with mushroom spores or mycelium, the mycelium will begin to grow and colonize the grain. It breaks down the nutrients in the grain while spreading throughout it. Here are some things to keep in mind when your mycelium is colonizing in grain:

Temperature: Mycelium grows best in a warm, humid environment. For most mushroom species, a temperature range of 70-80°F (21-27°C) is ideal. Make sure to monitor the temperature of your incubation setup to ensure that it stays within this range.
Moisture: Mycelium needs moisture to grow, but too much moisture can lead to contamination. The ideal moisture content for grain spawn is around 40-60%.
Contamination: Grain spawn is particularly susceptible to contamination, so it’s important to maintain a sterile environment during the inoculation and colonization process. Use proper sterilization techniques. Also, work in a clean, well-ventilated area to minimize the risk of contamination.
Colonization time: The time it takes for mycelium to fully colonize grain can vary depending on the species of mushroom and the conditions of your incubation setup. In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Check your grain spawn regularly to monitor its progress.
Harvesting: Once the mycelium has fully colonized the grain, it is ready to be used to inoculate your substrate. You can either use it immediately or store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few months. When you’re ready to use it, simply mix it with your chosen substrate. Colonize, then providing fruiting conditions.

Overall, growing mushrooms can be a rewarding and fun experience. It requires careful attention to detail and a sterile environment.

Sterilizing grain

Sterilizing grain is a crucial step in the process of making grain spawn for growing mushrooms. The goal is to kill any potential contaminants and create a sterile environment for the mushroom mycelium to grow. Here are the general steps for sterilizing grain:

Start by selecting your grain. Rye, wheat, oats, birdseed and millet are common choices for grain spawn.
Rinse the grain, then soak overnight in water
Strain the grain. Cook grain in fresh water in a large pot by bringing to a boil, the simmering gently for 20 minutes.
Strain the grain, then spread out on baking sheets or screens. Allow it to dry slightly for about an hour.
Place the grain in jars or autoclavable bags. Make sure jar lids are loose and cover with foil to prevent water from getting inside. Fold bags over with the open end folded under the bag.
Place the jars into a pressure cooker or autoclave.
Bring pressure to 15 psi, then reduce heat and maintain 15 psi for 90 minutes,
Release pressure.
Remove bags only after pressure has been completely released.
Spread bags out to cool or allow them to cool inside the pressure cooker overnight.

It’s important to note that sterilization is a critical step in the process of making grain spawn. Any failure to sterilize the grain properly can result in contamination and failure of the entire project. It’s also important to work in a clean, well-ventilated area. Use proper sterilization techniques to minimize the risk of contamination.

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Rare and Exotic Mushroom Genetics

Growing Mushrooms growing, growing mushrooms

How to Grow Magic Mushrooms

Justin Casey 0 Comments February 21, 2023

Substrate for growing cubensis mushrooms

If you don’t know how to grow magic mushrooms, don’t worry. Cubensis mushrooms can be grown on a variety of substrates, but one of the most commonly used and effective substrates is a mixture of vermiculite, brown rice flour, and water. This mixture is commonly referred to as “PF Tek” and is a popular method for growing cubensis mushrooms at home.

Here’s a basic recipe for PF Tek substrate:

Ingredients:

2 cups vermiculite
1 cup brown rice flour
1 cup water

Instructions:

Mix the vermiculite and brown rice flour together in a large mixing bowl.
Slowly add water to the mixture, stirring constantly, until the mixture has a consistency similar to damp sand.
Sterilize the substrate by placing it in jars and pressure cooking at 15 PSI for 90 minutes.
Allow the jars to cool and inoculate with cubensis spores or a mushroom culture.
Place the jars in a warm, dark place and wait for the mycelium to colonize the substrate. This can take several weeks.
Once the substrate is fully colonized, transfer it to a fruiting chamber and begin the process of growing mushrooms.

It’s important to note that growing mushrooms can be a bit complicated, and it’s important to research the process thoroughly before attempting it. Good luck!

Coconut Coir.jpg how to grow magic mushrooms

How to use coco coir for growing mushrooms

Coco coir is a popular substrate for growing mushrooms, especially for cubensis species such as Golden Teacher, Malabar, Thai Pink Buffalo and Penis Envy. It is made from the fibrous husks of coconuts which is a renewable and sustainable material. Here is a basic recipe for using coco coir as a substrate for mushroom cultivation:

Ingredients:

Coco coir
Water
Vermiculite
Gypsum (optional)

Instructions:

First, hydrate the coco coir and vermiculite by adding water to it. Use about 5 parts water to 1 part dry coco coir. Also, add gypsum if you are using it. Mix it thoroughly by stirring or shaking.
Allow the coco coir to sit overnight for even moisture distribution.
Pack the hydrated coco coir into a container, such as a plastic bag or plastic container, and sterilize it by pressure cooking or steaming.
Allow the container to cool and inoculate with mushroom spawn.
Keep the container in a warm, dark place and wait for the mycelium to colonize the substrate. This can take several weeks.
Once the substrate is fully colonized, you can induce fruiting by exposing it to fresh air and light.

Make sure to research the specific requirements for the type of mushroom you want to grow, and follow a trusted guide or tutorial to ensure the best results.

Why are vermiculite and gypsum used to grow mushrooms?

Vermiculite and gypsum are commonly used in mushroom cultivation as additives to the substrate for a few reasons:

Moisture retention: Vermiculite is a mineral that can hold a lot of water. It’s often added to substrates to help retain moisture. Since mushrooms need a consistent level of moisture in order to grow properly, vermiculite helps ensure that the substrate doesn’t dry out too quickly.
Nutrient availability: Gypsum is a mineral that contains calcium and sulfur. These are important nutrients for many types of mushrooms. Add gypsum to the substrate to improve the nutrient availability and overall health of the mycelium and fruiting bodies.
Structural support: Vermiculite also provides structural support for the substrate, which can be especially important for species like oyster mushrooms that can grow in larger clusters. The vermiculite helps prevent the substrate from becoming too compacted and allows for better airflow, which can help the mushrooms grow more evenly.

It’s important to note that the use of vermiculite and gypsum varies depending on the specific species of mushroom being cultivated, as well as other factors like the composition of the substrate and environmental conditions. However, in general, vermiculite and gypsum can be useful additions to many mushroom cultivation methods to improve moisture retention, nutrient availability, and structural support.

How often do you provide fresh air and moisture for mushrooms?

The frequency of fresh air exchange and misting can vary depending on the species of mushroom, the stage of growth, and the environmental conditions in which they grow. When you grow magic mushrooms, they need a balance of fresh air and humidity. Getting this balance right is key to a successful crop.

During the early stages of growth, when the mycelium is colonizing the substrate, you don’t need to provide fresh air exchange or misting. At this stage, the mycelium is still fragile and sensitive to environmental change. Fresh air or moisture can slow down or even stall growth. Cover the mycelium with plastic until it is completely colonized and ready for fruiting.

As the mushrooms enter the fruiting stage, they need fresh air exchange and moisture. Begin providing regular fresh air exchange by opening the container or growing area for a few minutes each day. Also, mist the mushrooms and substrate lightly once or twice per day in order to maintain a consistent level of humidity.

It’s important to monitor the conditions carefully and adjust the frequency of fresh air exchange and misting as needed. If the substrate is too wet, reduce the frequency of misting. If the mushrooms appear to be drying out or not growing as quickly as expected, increase the frequency of misting. Similarly, if you notice that the substrate is becoming too stale or stuffy, increase the frequency of fresh air exchange. By monitoring the conditions closely and making adjustments as needed, you can help ensure the best possible growth and yield for your mushrooms.

When is the best time to harvest cubensis mushrooms?

The best time to harvest Cubensis mushrooms is just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. The veil is a thin membrane that connects the cap of the mushroom to the stem. When the mushroom is ready to release spores, the veil will break, and the cap will begin to open up.

Harvesting the mushroom at this stage is important because it ensures that the spores have matured and are ready to be released. If you wait too long to harvest, the cap will begin to flatten out, and the spores may have already started to drop, which can reduce the potency and effectiveness of the mushrooms.

To harvest the mushrooms, gently twist the stem near the base, being careful not to damage the surrounding substrate. You can also use a clean pair of scissors to cut the stem. Try to avoid pulling the mushroom out of the substrate, as this can disturb the surrounding mycelium and potentially contaminate the growing area.

It’s important to note that different strains of Cubensis mushrooms may have slightly different growth patterns. The exact timing of the veil breaking can vary depending on the environmental conditions and the specific strain being grown. In general, however, keep an eye on the growth and development of the mushrooms and harvest them before the veil breaks. It’s a good rule of thumb for ensuring the best possible yield and potency.

Arctic Spawn

Rare and Exotic Mushroom Genetics