Harvesting Mushroom Spores: Techniques For Collection

Mushroom spores are typically collected through two methods: spore print and spore swab. The former is the most common method, used by mycologists to identify a fungus. It involves placing the mushroom cap gill-side down on a piece of paper, covering it, and leaving it for a few hours. The spores will then fall onto the paper, creating a spore print that can be used to grow mushrooms. Alternatively, a spore swab involves using a sterilized cotton swab to collect spores directly from the mushroom gills. This method allows for more targeted collection and minimizes contamination. Both techniques are simple and can be done at home with basic equipment, enabling individuals to cultivate their own mushrooms or create artistic spore prints.

Spore print

To make a spore print, you will need a mushroom, a piece of paper, a bowl, and some water. Firstly, choose a mushroom with visible gills, such as an oyster, portobello, or Swiss brown mushroom. Cut off the stem of the mushroom, ensuring the cap can sit flat. Place the cap gill-side down on a piece of paper. Black paper works well for mushrooms with pale gills, while white paper is better for darker-gilled mushrooms. If you plan to grow mushrooms from the spores, it is better to make the print on tinfoil, as it is more sterile and can be wiped down with alcohol.

Cover the mushroom gently with a bowl to keep out breezes and help the humidity. Leave it for 2 to 24 hours, depending on the humidity and the freshness of the mushroom. You can also leave the mushroom overnight. During this time, the spores will fall from the cap onto the paper, forming a spore print pattern.

After 6 to 12 hours, remove the cap. You should have a fully formed mushroom spore print. If you want to preserve the spore print, you can spray it with a fixative or hairspray. The spore print can be stored at room temperature in a ziploc bag and will last for decades.

Spore swab

To ensure the purity of the collected spores, sterile techniques must be employed to minimise contamination. The swab should be sealed in its original packaging and stored in a cool, dark place. When using the swab, it is important to work quickly to minimise the time it is exposed to the air, reducing the risk of contamination.

However, it is important to note that spore swabs have a high risk of contamination. Each step of the process, from opening the packaging to exposing the swab to the air, increases the chances of contamination. As a result, customers may receive contaminated swabs that are no longer viable, leading to wasted time and resources. Therefore, while spore swabs are a straightforward and cost-effective method for collecting spores, they may not be the best choice for beginners.

Spore syringe

To use a spore syringe, one must first inoculate the substrate with spores. Sterile tools and techniques must be used to avoid contamination. The spores must then be stored in a cool, dark place in airtight containers to prevent moisture damage.

Liquid culture syringes are available for purchase online. They are sold by companies such as Liquid Fungi and MYYCO. They are available in packs of 5 and can be used for a variety of mushroom species.

Optimal storage

Temperature

To ensure optimal preservation, mushroom spores should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in a temperature-controlled environment. The ideal temperature range for storing spores is between 2°C and 8°C (35°F to 46°F). It is important to avoid extreme temperatures, as they can damage the spores and affect their viability. Keeping spores in a room with consistent temperature is recommended, and they should be stored away from exterior walls or windows, where temperature fluctuations are more common.

Refrigeration

Refrigeration is an effective method to store mushroom spores and keep them dormant, preventing premature germination. Spore syringes and liquid cultures should be refrigerated, and it is recommended to use a full syringe at a time. Partially used syringes can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is important to recap the needle and remove it from the syringe, ensuring the solution doesn't leak. Spore swabs, on the other hand, are challenging to save for later use, and it is generally recommended to discard them after each use to prevent contamination.

Containers

The use of airtight containers or resealable bags is crucial to protect spores from moisture and contaminants. Sterile containers and tools, along with clean gloves, are essential to minimise the risk of contamination. It is good practice to wipe down the packaging with 70% isopropyl alcohol and place the spores in a clean, airtight storage container. Additionally, including silica gel packets inside the containers can help absorb any residual moisture.

Light and Discolouration

Mushroom spores should be stored in a dark place, away from direct sunlight. It is important to regularly examine stored containers for any signs of discolouration, as changes in the default colour of the solution or the appearance of dark patches may indicate bacterial contamination.

Labelling

Proper labelling is an important aspect of spore storage. Clearly labelling each container with the strain name, inoculation date, source, and storage date helps keep track of the age and viability of the spores. This simple practice prevents confusion and mix-ups, ensuring the fortitude and productivity of the spore syringes.

Artistic creation

Mushroom spores can be used to create unique and natural art pieces, and the process is quite simple. The first step is to collect the spores, and there are two main methods for doing so: spore print and spore swab. The spore print method is a popular choice for artistic creation. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating art with mushroom spores using the spore print technique:

Selecting the Mushroom

Choose a fresh mushroom with gills under its cap, preferably undamaged and not dried up. Different mushrooms will offer a variety of colours, patterns, and sizes to create unique prints.

Preparing the Surface

Place a sheet of paper, card stock, foil, or glass underneath the mushroom cap to collect the spores. You can choose the colour of the paper based on the colour of the gills to create a contrasting effect. For example, if the gills are light-coloured, use dark paper, and vice versa. It is recommended to have both light and dark surfaces available to achieve the best contrast.

Creating the Spore Print

Remove the stem of the mushroom and place the cap, with the gills facing down, onto the chosen surface. You can use a glass jar or container to cover the mushroom, creating an airtight seal to prevent air currents from disturbing the spores. This will also help retain the mushroom's moisture content. Leave the covered mushroom for 2 to 24 hours, depending on the humidity and freshness of the mushroom.

Revealing the Art

After the specified time, carefully remove the container and the mushroom cap to reveal the spore print. The spores will have created a distinctive pattern on the surface. Spore prints can be used to create wall art, fabric patterns, greeting cards, or any other creative project you can imagine.

Preserving the Art

To preserve your spore print art, you can lightly spray it with an artist's fixative or even hair spray. Ensure you hold the spray at least 12 to 15 inches away from the print to avoid disturbing the spores.

Safety and Caution

It is important to remember that working with mushroom spores requires caution. Always ensure sterile conditions to prevent contamination and potential health risks from spore inhalation. Some species of mushrooms can be toxic or allergenic, so proper identification and handling are crucial.

Frequently asked questions