In this post we will teach you how to properly use a spore / liquid culture syringe as there are some important steps which are not so obvious when first going into it
How can I avoid contamination
Seeing your mushroom substrate growing something other than the mushroom you inoculated it with is always an upsetting sight. As mushroom farmers, we call this contamination. It’s common for this issue to arise from the inoculation stage. Below we will provide you with tips on how to avoid this nightmare.
Ensure your syringes are from a quality source
The quality of your source is crucial when it comes to successful mushroom cultivation. At DEEPSPORE, we take pride in providing high-quality spore syringes that are guaranteed to be contamination-free. Our syringes are carefully prepared and sterilized to ensure the highest level of purity and viability of the spores.
Sterilize your syringe needle before each use
Though it might seem unnecessary, it is best to sterilize the needle of the syringe before each inoculation. You could do this in many different ways. The most reliable method seems to be using a small flame, like one from a lighter, until the needle is glowing hot. Be sure to wait until the needle cools down before using it to ensure your culture survives inoculation.
Always be sure to use a sterilized self-healing injection port
This small but important step can greatly reduce the risk of contamination during the inoculation process. By ensuring that the injection port is properly sterilized before each use, you can create a clean environment for your mushroom cultivation, increasing the chances of successful growth and minimizing the risk of contamination. You could simply wipe or spray the injection port with alcohol ( 70% isopropyl is advised ) to prepare for inoculation.
How to store your syringes
Proper storage of your syringes is essential to maintain the viability of the spores or liquid culture inside. To store your syringes, it is best to keep them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. A refrigerator is an ideal storage location, as it provides a stable and controlled environment. Before placing the syringes in the refrigerator, make sure they are properly sealed to prevent any contamination.
It is also recommended to label each syringe with the type of mushroom spores or liquid culture it contains, along with the date of preparation. Our syringes at DEEPSPORE will always come with this label.
By storing your syringes correctly, you can ensure that they remain viable for future use in your mushroom cultivation endeavors.
Wrapping it up!
To conclude our tutorial on how to use a spore / liquid culture syringe we’d like to thank all of our readers and supporters for making DEEPSPORE possible. We hope this knowledge helps inch you closer to a natural and sustainable way of healing.