Inoculate substrate bags with spore syringes
(Difficulty level 1 - Beginner) )
This method is just as easy to carry out as the PF technique and is particularly suitable for amateur mycologists.
Use the appropriate substrate depending on the type of mushroom. Detailed information on which substrate is suitable for which type
of mushroom can be found in the product descriptions of our spore cultures, can also be found in the product descriptions of our spore cultures.
As soon as the spores fall onto a suitable growing medium, they germinate. When the substrate is completely colonized with
mushroom mycelium, it can be set up for fruiting.
Recommended equipment:
- Substrate bag (depending on species) – Rye-Vermiculite-mix with maximum humidity
- Spore syringe
- Surface disinfectants
- Kitchen roll
- Adhesive tape (fabric tape)
Disinfect the surface of the bag
To avoid invasion of any contamination during inoculation, we recommend to disinfect the surface (the place you want to put the needle in). Kindly spray disinfection (e.g., Bacillol) on the bag, let it react for about 20-30 seconds and then dry it with a clean kitchen paper or similar.
Inoculation
UShake the syringe to dispense the spores equally. Now put the needle into the bag (at the disinfected area, always above substrate level) and push the spore solution of the same strain into the bag. We recommend to use about 10 - 20 ml – that is 1 - 2 syringes - for small bags (2,5 L content). For larger bags (4,5 L content) we recommend to use 20 - 30 ml spore solution – that is 2 - 3 spore syringes.
Attention: Should the needle get in contact with any unsterile material, you will have to heat-sterilize it. Heat the needle using an alcohol lamp (or a lighter). The front part of the needle should glow red. After that let the needle cool off for a few seconds (do not overheat the needle as the stand is made of plastic which could melt!).
Seal the inoculation area and distribute the spores
Close the inoculation area immediately with the tape. To distribute the spores equally in the substrate, shake the bag carefully.
Spawn run
For colonisation of the substrate, store the bag at the convenient 'spawn run' - temperature (see product descriptions) in a dark place. As soon as the substrate is fully colonised by the mushroom, you can put it into the fruiting chamber. If you work with rye grain substrate, it is also possible to use the grain for inoculation of a different fruiting substrate.
TIP: If the substrate is not colonised evenly, kindly shake the bag after about 10 days, when you can see mycelium starting to grow around the bag.
