Mycelium germination from spores - Tyroler Glückspilze (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for mycelium to start growing from spores? ›

Colonization occurs after inoculation. This is when the mycelium will start to take over the grain that was inoculated with spores. This period usually lasts between 3 to 6 weeks depending on strain and environmental conditions.

When two spores of the same species land close together in a favorable environment, they combine and make mycelium. This is a form of sexual reproduction, as each spore only contains half of the genetic material (similar to gametes) required to make a viable offspring.

After a few days up to one week the spores start germination. As soon as rhizomorph mycelium strands become visible, they are ready for selection (look up the instruction for „Selection of mycelium strands“).

During the first 30 min of the revival process, the spore undergoes germination (after 15 min, approximately 80% of the spores complete germination) and enters the ripening period (Figures 1B and 1C).

Not Enough Moisture

Mycelium, the underground vegetative growth of a fungus, needs a moist environment to thrive and produce mushrooms. Mushrooms themselves are mainly water, so if you let the mycelium dry out or the humidity level get too low then nothing will happen.

The higher the inoculation rate or amount of spawn added to the substrate, the faster the mycelium will grow through the substrate. The substrate likely will not produce a larger amount of mushrooms, so a high inoculation rate means more money spent on spawn per pound of mushrooms.

You can tell when mycelium is fully colonized when the entire substrate (such as a jar or a bag) is covered with a dense, white, and fuzzy network of mycelial threads. There should be no visible uncolonized areas or contaminants, and the mycelium should appear healthy and vigorous.

After about 4-8 weeks, you should start to see mycelium growing on the substrate. You'll notice the white mycelium growing outward from the point of injection. When the mycelium has grown three to four inches, without opening the bag, carefully break up the colonized substrate and mix it into the uncolonized substrate.

If you cultivate mushroom mycelium on agar medium there will appear different forms of mycelium. The two main forms are: rhizomorph mycelium and 'fluffy' mycelium (looks like cotton). For further cultivation and introduction of fruiting only the rhizomorph mycelium is suitable.

What agar is best for spore germination? ›

Malt Extract Agar (MEA)

MEA is suitable for the germination of spores and the culture and maintenance of mushroom mycelium.

subtilis spore germination in a time-dependent manner. Heat activation at sublethal temperatures is a common procedure to promote hom*ogeneous spore germination in the laboratory. However, the temperatures applied differ among different laboratories, with 65, 70, 75, and 80°C used for B.

Blending together the spores and the nutrients provided by the suited substance is known as the spawn. The spawn allows the mycelium to develop. The mycelium is the fungus from which mushrooms emerge during fruiting.

Most of the storage decay fungi are mesophiles – preferring moderate temperatures. The optimal temperature for the germination of their spores is around 20–25°C, although the temperature range allowing germination can be much wider.

Incubation is the time after inoculation and before the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate. This is the time at which the fungus has not yet consolidated its hold on the substrate. During this stage, the nutritious substrate is more susceptible to contamination.

In home cultivation, it's the white-ish growth we see on substrate blocks, plates, and jars. Mycelium can appear transparent or opaque, bumpy, fluffy, crystalline, webby, hairy, wispy, filamentous or clumpy and will often excrete an odorless, yellow liquid called exudate.

Light: While mycelium doesn't require light to grow, a small amount can help stimulate growth. 5. Nutrition: Using a nutrient-rich substrate can also enhance growth. Remember, it's important to maintain sterile conditions to prevent contamination.

Given the proper conditions, mold will start to germinate and grow as early as 24 hours after encountering the moisture source. In 3 to 12 days, the mold spores will colonize. In 18-21 days, the mold can become visible. In general, the longer that moisture is present, the greater the chance for mold to grow and spread.