Emily Johnson
Mushroom mycelium can be stored in a variety of ways, including liquid cultures, spore syringes, swabs, prints, and agar slants. The storage method can depend on the intended use of the mycelium, as well as the desired storage duration. Proper storage of mushroom mycelium involves careful management of temperature, light exposure, and the addition of specific nutrients to promote growth and prevent contamination. For example, liquid cultures should be stored in a cool, dark place such as a refrigerator to slow down the growth of the mycelium and extend their shelf life. Similarly, agar slants, which are test tubes containing sterile agar media, can be stored in a refrigerator or cold, dark room to maintain the viability of the mycelium. Spore syringes and swabs can also be stored in the refrigerator, while spore prints can be sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. Overall, maintaining the right environment and taking the necessary precautions can help ensure the longevity and health of stored mushroom mycelium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | Between 2-8°C (35-46°F) |
| Temperature for mycelium growth | 68-76°F |
| Storage location | A cool, dark, dry place, such as a refrigerator or a cool basement |
| Container type | Airtight, able to withstand high temperatures; glass mason jars are ideal |
| Container environment | Sealed, sterile, contamination-free |
| Storage time | Up to a year or more; use within six months for best results |
| Liquid appearance | White or off-white translucent globules |
| Liquid contamination signs | Discoloration, cloudiness, strange growth, foul odour |
| Mycelium growth environment | Low-nutrient media |
| Nutrient content | No more than 2% of nutrients |
| Nutrient examples | Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Malt Extract Agar (MEA), Oatmeal Agar (OA), Cornmeal Agar (CMA) |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a cool, dark place, like a refrigerator
To store mushroom mycelium, it is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator. This helps to slow down the growth of the mycelium, extending its shelf life. The ideal temperature range for a refrigerator is between 2°C and 8°C (35°F and 46°F). It is important to note that freezing the mycelium will kill it, so refrigeration is preferable to freezing.
When storing mushroom mycelium in a refrigerator, it is crucial to use a sealed, sterile container to prevent contamination. Glass mason jars or plastic bags are suitable options, and it is recommended to use clean hands or gloves when handling the mycelium. Additionally, it is important to regularly check the mycelium for any signs of contamination, such as discoloration, foul odours, or strange growth. If any of these signs appear, the culture should be discarded.
It is also possible to store mushroom mycelium in a cool basement, which can provide a suitable environment for slowing down the growth of the mycelium. However, it is important to ensure that the basement is dark and that the temperature remains stable, as fluctuations can impact the viability of the mycelium.
For long-term storage, some cultivators use test tubes known as Agar Slants. These slants provide a larger surface area for mycelial growth and can be stored in the refrigerator or a cold, dark room. The recommended temperature range for Agar Slants is between 2°C and 5°C (36°F and 41°F). It is important to regularly check for condensation and contamination, as these factors can impact the viability of the mycelium over time.
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Use within six months
To store mushroom mycelium for up to six months, there are several methods you can use. The most suitable method depends on the specific type of mushroom and the facilities available to you.
One option is to store the mycelium in a refrigerator or cool basement, which will slow down the growth of the mycelium and extend its shelf life. It is important to ensure that the refrigerator or basement is cool and dry, with temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and that the mycelium is protected from direct sunlight. Regularly check the mycelium for any signs of contamination or deterioration, such as discolouration or foul odours, and discard it if necessary.
Another option is to create a liquid culture by mixing four grams of sugar with 100ml of water, ensuring that the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture should not exceed a concentration of 4% as this is the maximum threshold for mycelium growth. Transfer the mycelium to a sterile container, such as a glass mason jar, using sterile equipment to avoid cross-contamination. The container should be airtight and able to withstand high temperatures.
Additionally, you can store mushroom mycelium for up to six months by maintaining high humidity levels. This method involves keeping the mycelium in a suitable environment with a relative humidity of around 100%.
It is worth noting that some mushroom varieties, such as pink oyster and almond agaricus, cannot be stored in the refrigerator and should be used within one month of receipt. For long-term storage, liquid nitrogen can be used, although this may not be accessible for most home mycologists.
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Prevent contamination with sterile equipment
Preventing contamination is key to successful mushroom mycelium storage. The human body is the greatest source of contamination in mushroom cultivation. Human hands and clothes can carry bacteria and spores that can ruin the crop. Therefore, it is important to wear clean clothes, including a lab coat or scrubs, and use hand sanitiser before handling mushroom mycelium. Wearing a face mask or mouth covering, as well as laboratory gloves, can provide additional protection. Avoiding talking when working is also recommended, especially when near open containers.
To ensure a sterile environment, all equipment used for handling mushroom mycelium should be sterile. This includes the container, lid, syringes, needles, luer lock, plastic bags, and any other tools used for transferring the culture. It is important to use clean hands or gloves when handling the mycelium and to store it in a sealed, sterile container to prevent exposure to potential contaminants. Additionally, it is recommended to use the entire syringe during a single inoculation session and to use the sterile needle only once.
The storage area for mushroom mycelium should be clean and free of potential contaminants. Regular cleaning of the refrigerator or storage area is important to maintain sterility. It is also crucial to choose a suitable container that is airtight and can withstand high temperatures. Glass mason jars are ideal for storing mushroom mycelium.
To further prevent contamination, it is recommended to store mushroom mycelium in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a refrigerator or a cool basement. This helps to slow down the growth of the mycelium and extend its shelf life. Maintaining a consistent temperature is important, as extreme temperatures can damage the spores. Keeping the storage area away from exterior walls or windows can help minimise temperature fluctuations.
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Check regularly for signs of contamination
Checking your mushroom mycelium regularly for signs of contamination is crucial to ensure the health of your culture and the success of your harvest. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to do this effectively:
Firstly, it is important to understand the factors that can lead to contamination. Proper mushroom liquid culture storage involves careful management of temperature, light exposure, and the addition of specific nutrients. Store your mycelium in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator, to slow down the growth of the mycelium and extend its shelf life. Aim for temperatures between 2-8°C (35-46°F) for optimal longevity. Avoid rooms with varying temperatures and direct sunlight, as these may be more prone to contaminants.
Secondly, when checking for contamination, look for any signs of discoloration, cloudiness, strange growth, slime, or mold on the culture. These are indicators of potential contamination. For example, healthy mycelium in liquid culture appears as white or off-white translucent globules that move around inside the liquid when agitated. Any deviation from this appearance may suggest contamination.
Additionally, pay attention to any foul odors emanating from the culture, as this could be a sign of deterioration or contamination. If you notice any of these issues, it is crucial to discard the culture immediately to prevent the risk of further contamination and to maintain the health of your mushroom mycelium.
Furthermore, if you are storing your mycelium in test tubes or agar slants, check regularly for condensation. Condensation indicates the presence of a heat source that could cause the agar to dry out quickly. To mitigate this, you can add wooden coffee stirrer sticks soaked in water to the test tubes to provide an additional source of moisture and help maintain the viability of the mycelium.
By following these guidelines and checking regularly for signs of contamination, you can ensure the health and longevity of your mushroom mycelium culture and maximize the success of your mushroom cultivation endeavors.
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Store in test tubes (Agar Slants) for long-term storage
To store mushroom mycelium in test tubes (Agar Slants) for long-term storage, follow these steps:
First, prepare your test tubes. Use heat-resistant autoclavable 5PP centrifuge test tubes with screw caps, with a volume of 15-50 ml. Pressure cook your tubes to 15 PSI for 15-20 minutes. This step can be done using a pressure cooker.
Next, prepare your agar media. For agar slants, use low-nutrient media such as Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Malt Extract Agar (MEA), Oatmeal agar (OA), or Cornmeal Agar (CMA). The recommended nutrient content is 1-2%. Pour the prepared agar media into each test tube, filling about half to two-thirds of the volume.
To inoculate the test tube, cut a small piece of agar culture from your petri dish and place it on top of the agar in the tube. Seal the tubes with parafilm or use a test tube cap. You can also use polyfil stuffing to seal the slant. Let the mycelium completely colonize the agar for several days.
To enhance moisture and mycelium growth, you can add wooden coffee stirrer sticks to the test tubes. Soak the wooden sticks in water for 24 hours or simmer them for 30 minutes before cutting them to fit the test tubes and adding them to the tubes with the agar media.
Store the agar slants in a refrigerator or cold, dark room. The recommended temperature range is 2-5°C (36-41°F). The exact storage time will depend on the mushroom species, but generally, agar slants can successfully store mycelium for up to several years.
It is important to regularly check your agar slants for contamination. Signs of contamination include discoloration, slime, or mould growth. If contamination occurs, discard the slants immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to store mushroom mycelium is between 2-8°C (35-46°F). It can also be stored at sub-zero temperatures to prolong its shelf life.
The best container to store mushroom mycelium is an airtight container that can withstand high temperatures, such as a glass mason jar.
It is recommended to use mushroom mycelium within six months of purchase to ensure it is fresh and healthy. However, it can be stored for up to a year or more when kept in a refrigerator.
