Michael Davis
Mushrooms are the reproductive bodies of fungi, and their purpose is to produce spores or seeds. Each type of fungus has a different spore type and releases them in unique patterns depending on the form of the underside of the mushroom cap. The most common method for harvesting spores from mushrooms is to make a spore print. This involves placing the mushroom cap on card stock or coloured paper to see the spores, or using a spore syringe. Once you have a spore print, it can be preserved and stored in a cool, dry, dark place until you are ready to cultivate your own mushrooms.
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What You'll Learn
Making a spore print
Firstly, you will need a mushroom, a bowl, some water, a piece of paper, foil, or glass, and a cup or bowl to cover the mushroom. When collecting mushrooms, ensure you only pick them if there are a lot around, as they are important for the environment.
Next, cut off the mushroom stem and place the cap, with the gills facing down, onto the paper, foil, or glass. If you are using paper, a white piece or card stock is best. If using foil, you can place the mushroom cap directly onto the foil and enclose the rest of the mushroom in it. Place a drop of water on the top of the cap to help release the spores. Do not soak the mushroom, as this may ruin the spores; simply dry the cap with a paper towel if you use too much water.
Cover the mushroom with a cup, bowl, or glass to lock in moisture and prevent the spores from blowing away. Ensure the covering does not press on the top of the mushroom. Leave for 2-24 hours, depending on the humidity and freshness of the mushroom.
After this time, you should see a print on the paper, foil, or glass, replicating the gill pattern from the mushroom. This is the spore print. If you are using paper, you can now rub the paper onto compost to grow mushrooms. If you are using foil or glass, scrape the spores into a syringe with distilled water and use this to inoculate a mushroom bag.
To preserve your spore print, lightly spray it with an artist spray or hair spray. Store the spore print in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place until you are ready to cultivate.
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Using a spore syringe
Spore syringes are a convenient medium for various mycology tasks. They are commonly used to house spores from any mushroom strain, with millions of spores floating in a sterile solution. The syringes are simple to use and can be used to cultivate oyster mushrooms, medicinal strains, or magic mushrooms. Here is a step-by-step guide to using a spore syringe:
Preparation:
Before preparing the mushroom spore syringe, ensure a clean environment. You can disinfect your hands or wear sterilized gloves. Spore syringes usually come ready to use, but if you have stored your syringe in the refrigerator, it is ideal to bring it out 12 hours before using it and allow it to reach room temperature.
Using the Syringe:
- Pick up the spore syringe with the cap still on.
- Unscrew the lock on the syringe by turning it counterclockwise and detach the needle from the sterile package.
- Attach this needle to the mushroom spore syringe.
- Shake the spore syringe for a few seconds.
- Inoculate the substrate. Depending on the strain of mushroom, you will need different substrates for growth.
- For every litre of substrate, you will need about 3 milliliters of the spore solution. One syringe typically contains enough solution to inoculate 6 to 7 litres of substrate.
- Drop a few milliliters of the solution in each corner of the substrate.
- After a few days, you will notice the growth of white patches of mycelium where the mushroom spores were dropped.
- When the entire substrate turns white, the mycelium has fully colonized.
Storage:
Spore syringes should be stored properly to maintain viability. They are best stored in a cool, dark, dry place. For long-term storage, they should be refrigerated at temperatures between 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F). Spore syringes typically last between 8 to 18 months but can be viable for up to two years or more if stored correctly.
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Growing mushrooms from spores
To grow mushrooms from spores, a spore syringe can be created by working in a sterilized environment and using distilled water that has been boiled multiple times to eliminate bacteria. The syringe needle can be sterilized by holding it in a flame for a few seconds. The spore syringe can then be sprayed over a tray of compost, ideally made from horse manure and wet straw, to inoculate it. This mixture should be packed down tightly and turned every few days for 2-3 weeks until it turns dark brown and has a sweet smell. The tray should then be covered with a damp newspaper, and in 2-3 weeks, the mycelium should start to grow.
Once the mycelium has covered the tray, it should be wet and covered with a layer of casing made of peat-free compost and lime. The casing should be kept moist and warm for fruiting to begin in 3-4 weeks. This method is more effective than simply mixing spores with water and spraying them onto a substrate, as this often results in contamination and a low success rate.
It is important to maintain a clean environment when growing mushrooms from spores to prevent contamination. Additionally, mushrooms require an even, warm temperature and high moisture levels without standing water, and some airflow. Oyster mushrooms are a good option for beginners as they are less susceptible to contamination and have a higher success rate.
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Storing spores
Storing mushroom spores is a delicate process that requires attention to detail. Spores are the reproductive units of mushrooms and are essential for initiating mushroom growth. When collected and stored, they serve as starting points for cultivating mushrooms. Here are some detailed instructions for storing mushroom spores:
Containers and Sealing
Use airtight, sterile containers such as vacuum-sealed bags, mason jars, or airtight kitchen containers to store your spores. Clean all tools with isopropyl alcohol or sterilizing agents before transferring spores to the container. Ensure that the container is clean and dry to avoid any moisture-related issues. Wipe down the packaging with 70% isopropyl alcohol, especially if it is a partially used spore syringe.
Temperature and Environment
Maintain storage temperatures between 35°F and 50°F in a dry environment. Keep the spores in a cool, dark place, as light and heat can degrade their quality. Avoid placing them near exterior walls or windows, as these areas are more prone to temperature fluctuations and contaminants. Cabinets, closets, or drawers are ideal storage spots. You can also use insulated compartments in your refrigerator to maintain stable temperatures.
Desiccants and Moisture Control
Use desiccant packets inside containers to absorb moisture and keep spores dry. High humidity encourages germination or mold growth, compromising the viability of spores. Ensure that containers are sealed tightly to prevent humidity infiltration.
Handling and Inspection
Handle spores with sterile techniques to minimize the risk of contamination. Inspect spores periodically for any signs of discoloration, unusual odors, or clumping, as these may indicate exposure to moisture or contamination. Properly stored spores should remain odorless, and any unusual smells may signal bacterial contamination or degradation.
Storage Duration
With proper storage, spore syringes can typically last between 8 to 18 months in refrigerated conditions. However, spores can remain viable even after two years or more in the refrigerator. For optimal results, use the spores within 12 to 18 months.
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Using agar to cultivate spores
Agar, a gelatinous substance derived from red seaweed, is essential to mushroom cultivation. It is used in petri dishes or jars to germinate spores and culture mycelium. The clear, nutrient-rich medium allows cultivators to observe the growth and health of the mycelium, isolate pure cultures, and identify any contamination.
To use agar to cultivate spores, you must first prepare your environment and tools. Maintaining a sterile workspace is critical to the success of any cultivation project. Use a disinfectant like 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Spray or diluted bleach to clean surfaces, tools, and containers. Sterilize tools like scalpels, inoculation loops, and tweezers with a flame or alcohol.
Next, prepare your agar plates. The most common agar medium is Light Malt Extract Agar (LMEA), made from light malt extract, agar-agar, and water. It is suitable for a wide range of mushroom species. Other options include Malt Extract Agar (MEA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Prepare the agar solution, pressure sterilize it, then pour the mix onto sterile dishes in a clean environment. Store the plates upside down (lid down) to prevent condensation from dripping onto the agar surface.
Once the agar has solidified, you can inoculate the plates. Introduce mushroom spores or mycelium to the sterile medium using one of the following methods:
- Spore Syringe: Drop a small amount of spore solution from a syringe onto the agar.
- Tissue Samples: Place a small piece of fresh mushroom tissue in the middle of the agar plate.
- Agar Transfers: Transfer mycelium from an already colonized agar plate to a new plate.
Seal the plates with Parafilm or plastic wrap to keep them sterile until you're ready to use them. Label the plates with the species, strain, and date of inoculation. Store the plates in a refrigerator at a temperature range of 35-40°F (2-4°C) to maintain sterility and effectiveness.
Finally, incubate the plates in a dim or dark area with a stable temperature of 20-25°C. Check the plates regularly for signs of mycelium growth and contamination. Healthy mycelium appears white and grows outwards from the inoculation point. If contamination occurs, discard the dish or cut out clean sections and transfer them to a new agar plate.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to keep mushroom spores is by making a spore print. This involves placing the mushroom cap on a piece of paper or foil and allowing the spores to fall and create a print, which can then be used to grow mushrooms.
To make a spore print, you will need a mature mushroom with visible gills, a piece of paper or foil, and a glass container. Remove the stem from the mushroom and place the cap, gill-side down, on the paper or foil. Cover the cap with the glass container to prevent spores from escaping. Leave for 2-24 hours, depending on humidity and mushroom freshness.
Store your spore print in a cool, dry, dark place until you are ready to use it. Keep it in an airtight container, such as a sealed plastic bag, and if you live in a humid area, consider storing it in the fridge but do not freeze it.
Yes, you can create a spore syringe by scraping the spores into distilled water and mixing them together. However, this method is more prone to contamination and can be expensive due to the number of contaminated grains produced.
Gill mushrooms are the easiest type to harvest spores from, but with some experimentation, spores can be harvested from most types of mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms are a good option for beginners as they are less aggressive and have a higher success rate.
