12 replies to this topic

[GreenGoddess]

I will preface this by saying I jumped in HARD with this endeavor, although not by choice. First time ever growing any type of mushroom. Started with huautla and APE spores. The hua has been awesome, but the APE has been, let’s just say, a challenge. Round 1 inoculated with spores in brown rice/verm jars. Nada after 6 weeks. Round 2 same deal but hydrated the rice a bit more. Finally got 1 jar out of 4 to show a small amount of growth (it’s been 2 weeks). Figured I’d try some agar plates to see what I could make happen. 1 of the 3 plates is showing tiny little spots of growth. I’m using potato and honey plates for now. What would be the best type of agar/nutrient combo for APE? Also, if you have any other suggestions I’d appreciate them.

P.S. i didn’t even know APE was a thing until I got the spores and after research I now know that this is NOT a good place to start. Just trying to make it work. Thanks!

[Myc]

Welcome GG!!

Sounds like you're well on your way with the hobby. Agar skills are handy.

 

As for your agar.......

I've never added honey to Potato Dextrose Agar.

[Oldpunk]

I think starting out is a bit frustrating in itself, and the APE mighta been a finicky grower to start with. But it sounds like you've done well with the huatla and that's more than some people get their first round. So congratulations on that front.

Jumping right into agar is pretty quick progression, but definitely a good thing to learn. Keep an eye on those few little spots, within a few days you should be able to tell if it's good mycellium growth or not.

I've never used honey either. I've been trying different agar recipes and really like the potato dextrose mix for ease and availability of supplies, but I use karo light corn syrup in mine.

Definitely on the right track.

[Mycol]

Never had much luck with PE on rice cakes myself . I don’t think they take to it . APE would probably fare even less with rice cakes .

I use a malt extract dextrose yeast agar . But I sprinkle in a little of my grain that i plan on transferring it to and a little of the sub after that . So a pinch of oats and in the case of cubes is a little HPOO.

https://mycotopia.ne...media-cookbook/

Edited by Mycol, 29 March 2022 - 01:28 PM.

[bezevo]

here is a  METRIC BUTT TON   of info

 

https://mycotopia.ne...ats bats agar

[GreenGoddess]

Thank you all for the support and suggestions. So far, so good. The Hua seems to love the honey/potato plates and has taken off from both spores and grain transfers. The APE jar and plates are both showing growth, albeit slow. I will try some of the plate suggestions and see if the APE likes those better. Thanks again!

[jkdeth]

I'm kinda using what I got, a kind of PDA recipe. I boil 100g of sliced potato in 1000ml of water, strain out the potato. Then back to the heat to keep near simmer, just so ingredients dissolve quick, I add a tablespoon of honey and 1gram of peptone. Peptone isn't a necessity, but I have it, so I use it. That gets another straight and water added to make sure its 1000ml.

I don't add agar direct, because I don't want that much, and I am aggravated too much to remelt agar.

Agar I add 4g per 250ml I want to make. Any excess broth I put in a canning jar with a regular lid and process when I run the agar. The broth lasts fine that way till I want more agar.

[Oldpunk]

Nice. So honey works for you too jkdeth?
Have to try it some day.

I'm all for using what you got. Play around. Try different recipes.
Get out the mad scientist goggles and have some fun.

You will find what works for you.

[BuckarooBanzai]

Honey is an effective way to add sugars but it can be problematic as different batches of honey will contain differing amounts of said sugar. It’s difficult to standardize your results with honey.

 

The acronym PDA stands for Potato Dextrose Agar. Are you adding any dextrose?

[jkdeth]

Justnfor future reference, honey is 30 percent dextrose.

[GreenGoddess]

I’m not adding any dextrose. Just potato flakes, organic honey, agar, and distilled water. Seems to be working great so far. Only had 2 out of 20 with contam, but seeing as I used my oven as a vent hood I think that’s pretty good. Lol

OldPunk, yes. I’m a mad scientist all the way.

[torn2bits]

Simply a idea, if you have fresh fruit, do a liquid culture.
You'll be happy...Agar...I'd try next , IMHO

[Doldman6six]

Please explain the fresh fruit