educate Posted August 31, 2010 How old until there is limited chance of successfully growing from it? I have a Agaricus print and want to grow it I used half to make agar plates 3 months ago but they didn't eventuate into anything. I wondered maybe the loop was too hot or I might have used too much Glen-20. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
holymountain Posted August 31, 2010 i am honestly not really sure about the answer for this but seeing as we are in winter that may have something to do with it? also...if this 'agaricus' you speak of is a woodlover you will need to make a broth using woodchips for a liquid culture. sorry if this doesn't help at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
El Presidente Hillbillios Posted August 31, 2010 I have used prints from other mushrooms that are a couple of years old with success Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
educate Posted August 31, 2010 (edited) Ohhh. So I'm thinking that I must have had the loop too hot then. I fired it and rubbed it on the agar first and then back to the print. I fired the loop between each swab. I can see the spores on the agar, but no growth. I have them in a heated cupboard at 25 degrees. Anyhow, first time at agar so just have to learn from my mistakes. They are dung lovers. On that topic....I got this picture of this agaricus off the net....must be a rare variety or something Edited August 31, 2010 by educate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Magicdirt Posted August 31, 2010 I've heard of 30 year old spores germinating on agar. One way to germinate old spores is to hydrate them in a pressurised vessel for 24 hours before culturing them. It's impossible to use to many spores in my expeience. If you still have some spores left try again and cool the innoculation loop by sinking it into the agar for about 2 seconds. Or you could try cooling it with alcohol on a swab or cotton wool, just be careful not to start a fire. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mud Posted August 31, 2010 Old prints will fail more often cos of the strain or species that isn't as robust as another. I think spores stay viable for a very long time, but whether theyl grow quicker than contams is the main issue. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites