John Miller
Properly storing mushroom spores is essential for successful mushroom cultivation. Spore prints should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, sterile, and dark place, away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is recommended for partially used spore syringes and liquid cultures, but freezing should be avoided as it can damage the spores. Contamination can occur in the form of bacterial or mold growth, such as cobweb mold or trichoderma, which can be identified by its vibrant blue-green colour. Proper storage practices, such as using desiccant packets and maintaining stable temperatures, can help prevent contamination and ensure the longevity of the spores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | Between 2-8°C (35-46°F) or 36-75°F |
| Sealed container | Yes |
| Dry and cool location | Yes |
| Direct sunlight | No |
| Humidity | Low |
| Refrigeration | Yes |
| Freezing | No |
| Spore activation | No |
| Spore contamination | No |
| Spore prints | Stored in airtight plastic pouches |
| Spore syringes | Store in the refrigerator |
| Spore swabs | Dispose of after each use |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify and address mushroom contamination
Mushroom contamination, or "contam" in grower slang, refers to anything unwanted in your substrate or mycelium that negatively impacts your grow. This often includes bacteria, moulds, and animal pests. Here are some steps to identify and address mushroom contamination:
- Identifying Discolouration: Discolouration is one of the most common signs of contamination. Keep an eye out for yellow or brown spots or streaks on the surface of the mushrooms or growing medium. Many species of invasive mould display distinct and bright colours. If you spot green, blue, grey, or black patches on or in your fruiting box, your culture is likely contaminated. However, small blue stains in the mycelium may be bruising and not mould.
- Checking for Trichoderma: Trichoderma is a common genus of green mould that preys on other fungal mycelium. It is identified by its vibrant blue-green colour during sporulation and the production of an aggressive white mycelium that causes soft decay in mushrooms. Identifying and eradicating trichoderma before sporulation is vital to saving your crop.
- Detecting Bacterial Contamination: Bacterial contamination, such as Bacillus spp. (known as "wet spot" or "sour rot"), can be identified by a dull grey, slimy, and excessively wet appearance. It often produces a foul odour and causes the grain to look uncolonized in patches. Bacterial blotch is another type of bacterial contamination identified by yellow to brown lesions at or near the edge of mushroom caps.
- Addressing Trichoderma: If you encounter trichoderma, it is recommended to cut your losses and discard the contaminated crop. Spread salt on the affected area to contain the mould, but only if it is your only crop tub. After removing the trichoderma, sanitise all equipment and identify the source of contamination to prevent future occurrences.
- Treating Bacterial Contamination: To eliminate bacterial endospores, soak the contaminated grains in water at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours before sterilisation. This will cause the endospores to germinate and become susceptible to standard sterilisation temperatures. If the bacterial patch is small and contained, you can also try scooping it out with an alcohol-sanitised or flame-sterilised spoon.
- Preventing Future Contamination: To reduce airborne contamination, invest in a laminar flow hood or a still air box for your workspace. Always store spores in a sealed, sterile container or bag, and maintain a consistent room temperature to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations. Practise good sterile technique and sanitise your hands or wear gloves when handling spores.
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The ideal temperature and humidity for spore storage
To ensure the longevity and health of your mushroom spores, it is imperative to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels during storage. Spore syringes, swabs, and prints can remain viable for decades when stored properly. Here are some detailed guidelines for ideal temperature and humidity:
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for storing mushroom spores is between 35°F and 50°F (2°C and 10°C). This range helps keep the spores dormant but not frozen. Refrigeration is highly recommended to achieve this temperature range and prolong the lifespan of spores. Within the refrigerator, aim for a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
If refrigeration is not an option, store your spores at room temperature, ideally between 36°F and 75°F (2°C and 24°C). Avoid extreme temperatures, as they can damage the spores. Additionally, choose a room with stable temperatures and avoid placing spores near exterior walls or windows, where temperature fluctuations are more common.
Humidity
To prevent humidity-related issues, it is crucial to keep your spore container sealed tightly. Ensure that your spores are thoroughly dried before storage to avoid any condensation issues. Use desiccant packets inside the container to absorb any excess moisture that may be present or develop over time.
By following these temperature and humidity guidelines, you can create an optimal storage environment for your mushroom spores, promoting their longevity and viability for future use.
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How to store mushroom spores in a refrigerator
Storing mushroom spores in a refrigerator is a great way to keep them cool, dormant, and out of direct sunlight. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Choose the Right Container
Use an airtight container made of plastic or glass to store your mushroom spores. Ensure the container is clean and dry before adding the spores. You can also place a desiccant packet inside to absorb any excess moisture.
Prepare the Spores
Collect the spores from the mushroom caps and place them into a sterile water solution in a syringe. The liquid in the syringe should be clear with black particles, indicating healthy spores.
Seal and Sterilize
Seal the container or syringe tightly to prevent contamination. Wipe down the outside of the container or syringe with 70% isopropyl alcohol to sterilize it and ensure no mould or bacteria can enter.
Store in the Refrigerator
Place the sealed and sterilized container or syringe in the refrigerator, ideally at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C (35°F to 46°F). This temperature range will keep the spores dormant but not frozen. Avoid freezing the spores as this can damage them and reduce their viability.
Use Within the Recommended Timeframe
While mushroom spores can last for a long time in the refrigerator, it is recommended to use them within 12 to 18 months for the best results. Spores can remain viable for up to two years or more, but the fresher the spores, the higher the success rate and faster the colonization.
Handle with Care
Always use clean hands or gloves when handling mushroom spores to prevent contamination. When you are ready to use the spores, slowly warm the syringe to room temperature and mix well before inoculation, especially if you are splitting the inoculant between multiple containers.
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How to create your own grain spawn from spores
Creating your own grain spawn from spores is a straightforward process that can be broken down into six easy steps. By making your own grain spawn, you can grow almost any type of "cultivatable" mushroom. While you will need some equipment, such as a pressure cooker, you won't require expensive tools like a laminar flow hood.
Step 1: Soak Your Grain
Start by soaking your chosen grain in water for 12 to 24 hours. Organic rye berries are recommended due to their water-absorbing qualities, nutrient makeup, and popularity with mushrooms. However, you can also use wheat berries, brown rice, or even popcorn. Just make sure the grain doesn't sprout by soaking for too long.
Step 2: Prepare Your Jars
While your grain is soaking, prepare your jars. For every quart of dry grain, you'll need a quart jar, and you'll end up with about three times as much grain spawn. Drill two holes in the lid of each jar: one in the centre, about 1/4-inch in diameter, and another closer to the edge, 1/8-inch in diameter. The smaller hole will serve as a "self-healing injection port", allowing you to inject your liquid culture syringe in open air. Cover the smaller hole with a small amount of high-temperature silicone sealant and let it dry overnight.
Step 3: Drain and Dry the Grain
After soaking, drain the grain thoroughly and dry any excess moisture from the outside of the grains. This step is crucial as too much water can encourage bacterial growth.
Step 4: Load and Sterilize the Jars
Fill your jars 2/3 to 3/4 full with grain. Then, cover the lids with tinfoil to prevent water from entering during sterilization. Using a pressure cooker, sterilize the grains at 15 PSI for at least 90 minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Inoculate
After sterilization, let the jars cool for a few hours. Then, inject your liquid culture syringe into the self-healing injection port.
Step 6: Monitor Incubation
Visually monitor the mycelium's colonization progress through the glass walls of your jars. With proper care, your grain spawn will be ready to use for mushroom cultivation.
By following these steps, you can successfully create your own grain spawn from spores, setting the stage for a bountiful mushroom harvest.
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The difference between storing spores and liquid cultures
Storing mushroom spores and liquid cultures requires different methods and environments. Here are the key differences between the two:
Spore Storage
Spores are the reproductive cells of mushrooms and are quite resilient, surviving in various environments, including space. With proper storage, spore syringes can last for decades and remain viable for research. To store spores, it is recommended to keep them sealed in their original packaging in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight and exterior walls to maintain a consistent temperature. Rooms with doors leading outdoors should be avoided as they are more prone to temperature fluctuations and contaminants. The ideal temperature range for storing spores is between 36 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, spores should be stored in a sealed, sterile environment to prevent contamination. Using clean hands or gloves is essential when handling spores, and desiccant packets can be placed in the container to absorb moisture. Spore prints, which are made by placing mushroom gills on a flat, clean surface, are the easiest to reseal and store for later use.
Liquid Culture Storage
Liquid cultures (LC) are the next life cycle stage of mushrooms and contain live mushroom mycelium suspended in a nutrient-rich liquid. They are beneficial for growing gourmet mushroom species due to their quicker colonization times compared to starting from spores. Liquid cultures are typically stored in a refrigerator to keep the mycelium dormant and prolong their lifespan. The recommended temperature range for storage is between 35 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2-8 degrees Celsius). It is crucial not to freeze liquid cultures as it will kill the living culture inside. Similar to spores, liquid cultures should be stored in a sealed, sterile environment to prevent contamination. Liquid cultures are best stored in a sealed bag in the refrigerator and allowed to reach room temperature before use. While liquid cultures can last for many months, it is recommended to use them within six months for optimal results.
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Frequently asked questions
If you spot cobweb mold, which is a group of mold species that cause soft rot in mushrooms, you will know that there are spores in your mushroom container. Cobweb mold is distinguishable by its light, wispy appearance and its distinct smell.
Spores are resilient and can survive in many environments, including space. They are part of the spore-to-mycelium lifecycle and are essential for mushroom growth and cultivation.
If you find spores in your mushroom container, you can either choose to discard the entire container or attempt to salvage it. To salvage the container, you can use hydrogen peroxide spray, which will kill the spores and mold without harming the mycelium. Additionally, ensure that your mushroom container is stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, as spores are sensitive to temperature and humidity.
