Understanding Spores

We’re glad you made it here. Are you curious about working with active mushroom spores? Well, buckle up because we have got the ultimate guide for you! In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about mushroom spores; from how to store them to how to view them under a microscope.

Spore Basics

Alright, let’s begin with the basics. So, what are spores? Well, think of them as the tiny cells that fungi use for reproduction, kind of like seeds in plants. When it comes to mushroom spores, they are really small, single cells that you need a microscope to see up close. However, mushrooms can produce billions of these spores, and when they come together, you can actually see them with your naked eye. It’s quite an amazing sight, believe us!

How do you store spores?

Now, it’s crucial to properly store your mushroom spores to maintain their integrity over time. The factors that affect spore longevity include exposure to oxygen, heat, and light. So, we recommend that you store your spores in an airtight container inside a dark drawer at room temperature. Depending on how you store your spores they can last a very long time!

How spores vary from one to another?

Moving on to spore characteristics, it’s important to note that spores will vary in their size, shape, and color depending on the species of mushroom. Spore traits can even vary between different varieties of the same species. For example, P. cubensis spores are typically a dark purple/black but can also be rusty brown, gold and clear. We recommend viewing a wide variety of mushroom spores to be able to see all the different variations!

Spore Presentations

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about the different forms of spore presentation. Active mushroom spores are typically available in three standard presentations: spore prints, spore syringes, and spore swabs. The choice of presentation is usually based on the type of mushroom from which the spores originate. When buying spores from a reputable supplier, such as Mr. Mushrooms, you can rest assured that you’ll receive premium spores, regardless of the type of presentation. However, each of the three presentation types has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s examine them in detail.

Spore Prints

First, we have the spore print. A spore print is made by removing the cap of a mushroom from the stipe (stem) and placing it gill side down on a sterile surface. The cap is then left covered for around 24 hours to drop its spores on the sterile surface. Spore prints are often taken on aluminum foil or mylar to preserve the spores but can also be made on glass slides to make microscope viewing easier. Spore prints are the most cost-effective medium for spores as you get the most spores for your money. However, they’re not as easy for beginners to use as spore syringes.

Spore Syringe

Next up, we have the spore syringe. Spore syringes are made by scraping the spores from a spore print into a sterile aqueous solution, commonly distilled water. The liquid solution is then mixed thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spores throughout the distilled water. The syringes are then filled with the spore solution and capped off until they are ready to be used. Spore syringes are easy to work with for both beginners and experts alike. However, they have the lowest storage shelf life of the three spore mediums.

Spore Swab

How to examine your spores under the microscope

Step 1: Create a Clean Environment

Before beginning the process of viewing spores, it’s important to make sure that your work area is as clean as possible to avoid contamination. Use a sterile workspace, clean your microscope and tools with alcohol, and wear gloves if possible.

Step 2: Prepare a Sample

Take a small amount of spores and place them onto a microscope slide. Add a drop of distilled water to the slide to prevent the spores from drying out and cover the sample with a coverslip.

Step 3: Adjust the Microscope

Turn on the microscope and adjust the focus and magnification to your desired level. Start with the lowest magnification and slowly increase the magnification until you reach the desired level of detail.

Step 4: View the Spores

With the microscope properly adjusted, place the slide with the spore sample under the microscope and begin viewing. Take note of the spore size, shape, and color as well as any distinguishing features that may help with identification.

Remember to handle the sample and equipment with care and to maintain a sterile environment to avoid contamination of the sample. Happy Studying!