Microscopic examination of spores
Recommended equipment:
- Spore print or spore syringe
- Microscope (40x–1000x))
- Pipette or syringe
- Vaccination loop
- Water
- Slides
General procedures:
Form, colour and size of spores are almost distinctive traits for classification of mushrooms.
Take a clear object slide and put a drop of water on it. Now use the inoculation loop to stir a few spores into the water and put on a cover slip. Put the object slip under the microscope to view the spores.
Another method is to put a drop of spore solution from a spore syringe on the object slide and put on a cover slip. If you use a spore syringe, we recommend shaking the syringe well to disperse the spores well in the water.
It is important that the microscope is standing on a flat and stable surface!
