Spore Syringe to Agar - The Agar Files

Today's class I'll be going over 3 different methods to germinate spores from a syringe onto agar. Thank you as always for the love and support.
Inoculation Loop Video - • Cheap and Easy DIY Ino...
0:10 Intro and Prep
2:17 Shake up your Spore Syringe
4:55 1-2 Drops on Agar
5:23 Inoculation Loop on Agar
6:28 Sterile Swab on Agar
7:28 Cleanup and Storing your Agar
8:30 7 Days after inoculating
9:20 10 Days after inoculating
10:16 Outro
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[@themyceliumnetwork]

here is another tip: with the syringe cap on tight pull the plunger a short distance and quickly let it go, it will create a shockwave & disperse the spore clumps.

[@chipmeister111]

Nice, thanks

[@Enochulate88]

Here's a tip: throw soil on top of your sub when your done fruiting it to make a indoor compost bin. Lots of fun

[@gloriadw1]

Newbie here and your content is great!! I’m learning sooo much. Thank you for explaining everything extensively. After watching other channels and finally hearing you explain things to where I understand it - you hear many “ohhhhhhhs” coming out of me. Your channel is quickly a favorite. Thanks for all the great content!

[@Aces314]

Hey, I’ve recently had my first two flushes ever and want to thank you man, I’ve got knowledge from you that I’ll hold forever. Thanks alot

[@AbraxasTheSorcerer]

3 videos in one weekend! You the man 🤙🏼, we appreciate all your efforts. I've been growing cannabis for 10 years and now with the help from you, and members of the mycology community on KZbin and reddit, I've been slowly buying all my supplies over the past few weeks while I study the craft before I start. This will probably never get read but thanks brother ✌🏼🍄 EDIT: 8 months later and I’ve grown pounds of TATs 😂🤙🏽 (side note) I also just had my very first contamination 🤙🏽

[@omg_wtf]

Dude just go for it! Learn on the job :)

[@monkeyboy4311]

Best. Hobby. Ever. 🤙💚

[@michaelcoleman5922]

I could say the exact same thing as Psychonaut. Been growing herb for years and thanks to Teacher and a few other, my fruiting room is ready and I'm waiting for my spores to come in. Can't wait.

[@kibby3164]

F KZbin and Reddit. If you want info on cultivating, foraging, or anything that has to do with mycology. Then go to The Shroomery.

[@michaelknichel2528]

@@michaelcoleman5922 Where did you get your spores?

[@AyyYaYYaY]

"Break this JAWN Apart" Philly is Really in the house.

[@zachm1452]

As a medic I've found that if you pull back on the syringe before you push the solution out you have much more control over how much comes out during that first push.

[@Sasha8pancakes]

But you risk letting contams enter the syringe probably

[@Sasha8pancakes]

Adding on to my previous reply, if done in a still air box it would probably be kinda safe

[@jessicahay9305]

You can place a just slightly damp alcohol wipe over the end first. As an addict in recovery I can confirm that it's much easier if you pull back first

[@damonwilks8799]

Risking pulling in contaminates in the air? Why risk it

[@timebombcatnip]

I purge that first push into a shot glass, its all dead spores anyway you just cooked um.

[@landen702]

Another tip for controlling drops is just squeezing the sides rather than pushing the plunger. Thanks for what you do for us PGT!

[@AbdelkaderBoudih]

That awesome, you just use it as a pipette. Genius.

[@unparalleled3039]

Syringes are hard plastic.

[@fungdark8270]

That can introduce air back into the syringe

[@jeffsmith8065]

@@fungdark8270 you do it without the syringe

[@greatestytcommentator]

Yeah Bro.. You are a Genius..

[@kevinfromcali7062]

Hello PGT, really just wanted to express my gratitude for all your hard work in the videos that you're doing, I'm a newbie at this only about 3 weeks into it but I'm so excited about it, I don't know why I'm so drawn to it, I think you're doing such a wonderful job and I really just wanted to convey that, thank you so much.

[@god910]

@ 5:08 you mention the first depression of the syringe causes way too much to come out. I was hoping you were gonna say something. I work in the medical field and our saline flushes do the same thing. To resolve this, simply pull back on the syringe, it breaks the stopper free and then smoothly moves forward. ;-) But be careful not to pull it backwards out of the body, just a tiny bit to free it up, twisting sometimes helps too.

[@daysensouth7325]

How can you tell the difference between mycelium and mold? They look so similar except the mold wasn't as thick looking

[@Humboldtcounty707]

Man, I wish this was posted yesterday at this time! I just did the squeeze one drop method. Should have done the streak method. Oh well, thanks PGT!

[@sel.lodjalosalvador159]

same here

[@yeagsntoastable]

I have way more than a couple drops

[@lewismclean6285]

What if you buy a spore syringe and you can't see any spores at all in there? Does that mean I've been scammed or is it possible there's spores in there somewhere? I've innoculated some agar just to check so will give that a week or so to see before kicking off lolz

[@nickb3105]

Maybe a stupid question, but is there an advantage to putting it on agar as opposed to right in a grain bag?

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

Spore syringes are naturally dirty, and agar allows the ability to clean up the culture before introducing it to your grains

[@mraBJJ33]

I heard adult vibrating toys break up spore clumps like a champ...

[@Daweedmon420]

Hello PGT! So I live in the tropics and the temps are higher and pretty much stay to a now more than 7 to 10 degree flucation. WIll Mycelium grow even at my temperatures 76/87, Thanks for the help

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

Yes it will grow 🙏

[@rockeaterfungi]

I never understand why people always try to make their own stuff that is already really cheap. Loops are like 10 cents a piece

[@voteazblue]

Sensei, thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm starting my journey in mycology and microdosing to help my grandson who suffers from epilepsy, Crohn's, and depression. Of all the DIY videos I've watched, yours call to me. I've inoculated agar plates and made brown rice mini-jars (pint). Wish me well!

[@gizzardgizzard3583]

You sound like an amazing grandmother! Hope all is going well :)

[@PuppetMasterdaath144]

haha nuts to see an older woman make drugs

[@DeltaNovum]

Much love to you and your grandson. Hope you're both doing well.

[@GingeRenee]

your such an amazing woman and grandmother. I hope your seeing amazing results from the plant medicine to help your grandson. I truly believe mother nature gave us everything we need. Blessings to you and your grandson.

[@theguitarden6920]

Do you have any tips for identifying mycelium from anything else in a petri dish? Obviously orange or green is bad, but I have had petri dishes full of thick white fluffy stuff, which I imagine isnt mycelium but it is hard to know

[@davids11131113]

Fluffy white is mycelium

[@guardianofthesacredflame1649]

How did you get the spores in the syringe?

[@gizzardgizzard3583]

Idk if he ever says so in the video, but definitely store your agar dishes/cups upside down before and after inoculating to cut down on contam caused by condensation mushlove

[@Yokoname]

i remember learning this in my freshman year of highschool in biology 😂

[@gizzardgizzard3583]

@@Yokoname that's way cool! I unfortunately had to find this out the hard way I lost all my first agar cups to contam bc they weren't upside down

[@L8NiteCoffeeSips]

does spore syringe to agar have better success rate than spore syringe to spawn bag?

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

There is potentially great success in both. The main thing is that spore syringes are inherently dirty, and agar is best to clean up the culture. So there is a more chance of complications with spore syringes in comparison

[@L8NiteCoffeeSips]

@@PhillyGoldenTeacher Would you recommend: Spore Syringe > to Agar plate (cleansing of culture) > to Spawn Grain?

[@eementexi3062]

Having a shitty day... came home took some food open youtube and new video from PTG! Now my day is a lot better :)

[@seanyardley]

Hey pgt, Sorry if this question is answered in a different video but is there a reason your agar is blue? Is it just a different type of agar and is there any difference between the yellow agar I am used to seeing?

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

You can add food coloring to change the color! 😄

[@seanyardley]

@@PhillyGoldenTeacher thank you man 👍🏻

[@donaldslayton2769]

Mechanical agitation for the spore syringe? Tape it to the "back" massager for a few minutes?

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

I don't see why that wouldn't work 😄

[@jacobpie3692]

Love learning from someone so knowledgeable, and I absolutely love your video style. You put a lot of work into this channel, good freaking job my man

[@derrick_v]

7:25 scary smiley face in syringe

[@idkthatxool749]

Lol that’s awesome

[@akashaspirit6150]

Does anybody know how long the agar cups can be stored before they go bad out of the fridge?

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

about a month at room temperature. you probably can still use them longer than that, but for being optimal and efficient its best to use them sooner rather than later.

[@michaelgrouse7850]

Please make a video about how you made your still air box. I'm getting into the hobby (collecting my tools and supplies now) but have yet to see a good how-to on a good still air box and yours seems luxurious as you have room for a camera inside. ;)

[@tylerbrandon9592]

Love your videos bro! Just wanted to add my own cheap and easy inoculation loop I use. I just got a black head popper from the dollar store 😂😂😂, all stainless steel and can be put in a PC to sterilize if necessary

[@jeremytalbot8565]

So I definitely need to put my spores on agar first. I knew it had to be harder then just injecting spores. 🤣

[@neoasura]

Thanks for this, I prefer using Agar cups, but once I'm done growing for a season, I put everything away. All I have left is spore prints in storage. Going from spores to agar allows me to skip a step.

[@jeffmcgraw1577]

Just wondering... do you ever inoculate slants directly from a LC syringe? Vs LC Syringe to Petri Dish to Slant

[@VeronicaCastro-ru8nm]

Most amazing coincidence this month! Love your videos and literally this weekend got plates to do SS to agar, glad I waited you read my mind!

[@scottxd45]

Is there any need to put a needle on the syringe for anything done here. Could you not just drip it straight from the syringe?

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

the needle helps you get more control on squirting, but yes you can just use the syringe without the needle.

[@davids11131113]

Why not just drip some drops right from the syringe onto the agar?

[@5cottman]

Dude. I need help with my agar. It keeps getting contaminated. Don’t know if it’s the syringe or my area. But with the same syringe I inoculate a bag and the mycelium takes off

[@5cottman]

Should I just take some mycelium from the bags and put those to agar

[@RedneckSavant]

idk if it was intentional, but you were pretty on time with the song when you were tapping the syringe!

[@kels884]

No matter what I do, I get massive condensation in my agar plates. Any tips? Thanks pgt & glad to have you back.

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

You can stack your plates right after pouring, the heat will rise through the plates and remove condensation from the lower plates. the best method to eliminate condensation completely is to leave your plates in front of the flowhood for 2-3 days after pouring. the laminar flow slowly makes its way through the plates and dries up condensation.

[@tyo6896]

I gave mine a quick shake, and was able to get droplets to condense, to see spires growing, but now I gotta leave it tilted or upside down till the water dries up.

[@TAC0FACE]

Only had one successful grow 2 summers back. This summer i had bought all this stuff, going for some oats jars and pf tek jars... I used agar and thought I had some good plates, they looked good. I cut up the agar, plop it into the jars, they colonized quick. Then i opened them to mix w coco coir and peeee yew smelled rancid... Slightly yellowish. Had to dump it. Gonna go at it again. I pressure cook everything lol! I don't have a good, use a SAB.. something got in it. Well spring is here, time to try again

[@ranjanty]

Where's the ketchup cups? I see you're moving on up. With subscribers too. Well done!

[@sminstudios]

So what this (and the comments) taught me is that the needle is unhelpful, adding resistance, retaining spore solution and just another contam opportunity. If you’re not literally injecting something… Skip the needle and tap drops from the syringe. Or touch a sterile pipette to it for half a drop (still hundreds of spores).

[@jermainelightfoot7060]

Great vid , I was wondering how to put spores to agar 💯💪🏾 you answered all my questions

[@ClownWhisper]

I've worked in labs my entire adult life you don't wanna use a stranded wire for inoculation loop get a solid piece of stainless wire what works good is a piece of tig stainless filler wire take needle nose pliers and make a loop out of it on one end fold over the other end for a little handle and you're done that thing is carrying so many bacteria in that tape in the folds in between the wires it's not even funny I mean yeah you're probably dipping it in isopropyl alcohol that's all well and good but for protocol sake you don't use stranded wire. You single wire or like I said 116th inch tig wire works perfect or you can go smaller and use stainless mig wire.

[@tyo6896]

I've been using zip lock sandwich bags to store my plates in, after micropore tape wrap or pararfilm. Agar requires a bit more of a sterile environment while working with. I've had bad luck unless I'm very very careful.

[@mmpatriot2170]

So good. You make info that seems incomprehensible simple. I’m stoked to start working with agar. 👍

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

I'm glad I could help. Good luck starting your journey with agar! 😊

[@cyberbid]

Why is it whenever I try the loop method I just get an off white almost transparent goop wherever I have gone with the loop? Its very annoying, and I have tried different vendors.

[@grantbatchelor7696]

With the cotton swab that had all those spores left on there do you just throw it away? Or is there something you can do with it?

[@AaronAlso]

I suggest leaving out the shot glass and picking up a 5ml graduated cylinder. It helps me to avoid using too much solution. 1ml will innoc dozens of plates. Also, a pipette gives much more control over the single drop. [5ml grad cylinder w/ glass pipette $6.99 @ Amazon] Same equipment can be used to transfer LC to plates or slants.

[@ChrisMosner]

I like the sound of this method. How much liquid do you drop onto each plate?

[@AaronAlso]

@@ChrisMosner Literally 1 drop or less is all that will be needed.

[@frankblackington2477]

You rock I appreciate your info! Do you have any videos of what to look out for as far as what contamination on an agar plate looks like once you start getting growth ?

[@johnbauby6612]

Where'd you find the stainless work trays?

[@cr1pt1c_comet46]

Aye teach, would this process be the same With liquid culture syringes?

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

Yes you can!

[@jalishaboatman1468]

I’m so new to this. I have a few questions. 1. What do I do with the leftover syringe? 2. after the inoculation process is complete, what comes next and then after that? I need help. 😅

[@JAMAFARMSLLC]

hate to bother you but i trust your work and im gonna drop a comment on 2 of your videos so i can get some help!!!!! i used the swab method on a Koh Samui strain. (for microscope use only XD) however i dont know if i "pushed the swab too hard and it seems like theres some growth except its like PUFFY! almost looks like mycelium is growing UNDER an layer of agar. Its continuously growing, doesnt look like mycelium but it doesnt look like contam either. Please help. Maybe i could send some photos somewhere so you can take a look??? Im concerned that maybe i did my spore print wrong and its not a viable sample. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks!

[@MeadsyYT]

literally what I was looking for, just ordered spore syringes yesterday and was wondering if I could start messing with agar, thanks!!!

[@LeonPhythian69]

The confidence wrapping with the parafilm shows pure practice. ❤

[@RentAsunder0]

Sometimes when you bang the syringes they will crack

[@irenedelvalleprietoguia8102]

Wow! Vegan ham candy! This video makes me so happy! Thank you!

[@toddwmac]

Thanks a ton PGT. Thanks in a big part to you, I just received my 1st mycology research kits today. Your lessons have been invaluable in my learning and planning . Now I just need to pour those 200 agar plates. :) Thank you.

[@anthonyfarley4990]

Homeade ingenuity brother, been following your ways for a minute with great luck forsure (: lol keep up the good work!

[@davidhalldurham]

I'm just a beginner and this video was extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@douglaszornow8974]

Can you just use sterilized cotton swabs on the spore print and swab them across agar or would that be wasteful?

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

You can use a sterile swab to transfer

[@davideluciano7761]

What can you do with culture still in the syringe can u put it in the fridge

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

Yes you can 🙏🍄

[@cristinacassidy604]

My mycelium growth on my agar is shiny and white. (Or what I think is mycelium growth.) I thought I saw someone mention that it should be fuzzy and not shiny or slimy. I’m worried something is wrong. Help!

[@shadymcoy9259]

This isn’t the agar that you show how to make in the video. What is the recipe for this one?

[@CEOofCTOs]

I swabbed some spores, injected some spores onto agar and so far nothing but nothing. It looks like the liquid from the syringe just spread over the agar.

[@mariobass4202]

Name of the song please??? Thank you PGT for your videos I find it very helpful sensei keep kicking ass!!

[@Deverydoo]

Well darn. I could have used this video yesterday. Searched a bit and this pops up today. I used the direct inject method onto the agar. Shaking up all the spores was the hard part. Didn't think to add a slight touch of air to help the solution shake better. Figure the cotton swab method will work best.

[@Kyle3x]

Is shroomery still a useful community in 2024 for knowledge ?

[@greatestytcommentator]

Is warmer better than cooler? I am watching vigorous Mycellia vs. Bacterial Muck. Which grows better at which temperature - if it is clearly a failed plate that needs plate to plating?

[@kangaroohunter6982]

For how long can you storage full colonized agars? You storage this iun the fridge, in a room temperature?

[@te4145]

Broke boi suggestion. Before tossing your expired COVID home test kits. Grab the sterile swabs out of them!

[@sethlannon1148]

This applies to liquid culture as well right? Like LC syringe to agar plates should work fine just like with spore syringe?

[@SilverPhoenix-PlazmaMoon]

Can you make your own sterile swabs by putting Q-tips in the PC?

[@jdibo]

I just got 10 Agar plates in the mail from my vendor and I’m definitely not going to be able to use all of them up in a quick time frame. How would I store inoculated Agar that’s full colonized & also how would I store unused Agar plates? Looking for long term storage if there’s a way

[@karinchristensen9809]

I did not see spores in my syringe? Thx. KC

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

They are microscopic. You won't always see spores in syringes, but hopefully they are there! 🙏

[@mrkwa-385]

Always nice to see a good education video from u mate!

[@philipclift7205]

Can you drop spores on the plate and spread them with a flamed loop and skip the shot glass step? Hybrid of your 3 techniques.

[@TheGr8Herd]

For me it was less that the agar itself intimated me and more everything that might be neede d to use it successfully. You know, SABs,Flow hoods,etc. Now that I understand a bit more about sterilize procedure and how to make an affordable, effective SAB it doesn't seem so bad.

[@papercranes6886]

What to do if your climate is tropical and temperatures are higher than 86°F / 30°C? Where I am it can get above 92°F / 34°C. What happens to the agar and the mycelium? Would you have to do some sort of climate control or use a converted fridge to keep it at lower temps in the 72°F/ 22°C to 83°F/ 28°C range?

[@rustylimbo]

Why would one choose to create more opportunity for infection? IE. Squirt into shot glass, then to loop or swab then to agar? Seems to me the less transfers the better - drop from syringe to agar, done?

[@BadddDoggg-id4po]

Actually, on that last plate you looked at it may not be mold on the bottom, that may be a monokaryon mycelium, the thicker stuff looks like dikaryon mycelium. The mono won't fruit if you try to grow it out.

[@bethanyfannin9509]

Could you do another video like this but inside an SAB?

[@ClownWhisper]

Spores are microscopic if you can see a clump of something it's millions of spores don't worry about shaking it there's millions and millions and millions of loose spores in every droplet although I did or exaggerate the number of that

[@idkthatxool749]

I was wondering, the plate that you got the most colonization on… you said you were gonna maybe put it to grain. I was just wondering if you EVER worry about obtaining a monoculture.

[@idkthatxool749]

Just for the record this does not answer my question PhillyG, still wondering about your opinions/experience surrounding monoculture.

[@pkgmsu]

Does PT come on here to answer questions? Why didn’t he eye loop the first dish on the left side? Where does one get those nice stainless racks for working in front of hepa?

[@alejandro_grande13]

This is awesome. I've been wondering what the point of the agar is (first time grower)

[@fns5757]

"if you dont shake it you probably just innoculated a bunch of water"

[@charlesmjohnston]

What did you do to sanitize, disinfect that shot glass ? Just hot soap and water, dried with a paper towel?

[@soulprice5428]

11$ shipping on a 12$ budget single small 10ccs smh 🤦 y crazy 😔

[@chrisbarrier6839]

I've had mine 2 years now still White are they still good? Look dry!

[@kimberlymarie9512]

I'm glad you are feeling better 💜

[@nathanharnor7863]

Hi, where can I find the work tray your using?

[@negativityscrown]

Look up either mesh kitchen shelves or computer monitor stands

[@erichunter4716]

I'm about 2 years into mycology and starting to up my game now. I have a question about storage. Where should I be storing these agar plates after inoculation? In the fridge, on a shelf, keep it in the still air box?

[@clayhicks7175]

You should make a video on choosing a microscope i have been considering purchasing one lately to aid my mycological hobbies

[@idkthatxool749]

I would also be very interested in this

[@emeteriogomez3748]

does anyone know if getting a syringe shipped internationally kills the spores inside it?

[@idkthatxool749]

Spores should be extremely hardy and capable of surviving the trip(no pun intended). A couple of things that could potentially kill spores is bleach, h202 or extreme heat(pressure cooker)

[@brokenneck]

Where'd you get your laminar flow hood? Anything from Amazon or something we can get? Love your vids!

[@negativityscrown]

They're pricey. Flocube sells them for a little cheaper than you might otherwise find.

[@dosisemmanouil]

After the spores have germinated you just get a piece of it to grain?

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

Ideally you want to make a few transfers of the mycelium to new dishes to clean up the culture. But yes when the spores germinate, they produce mycelium that can be transferred to grain jars 🙏🍄

[@dosisemmanouil]

@@PhillyGoldenTeacher Thank you🙏❤ much appreciated all the info and videos!! Greetings from Greece!

[@karinchristensen9809]

Many Thank yous dear Jack! Looking forward to seeing where the peitre dish goes next!! 😉

[@PhillyGoldenTeacher]

😄

[@karinchristensen9809]

I can see some white stuff in one of my bags. What now?? Thanks you!

[@greatestytcommentator]

@@karinchristensen9809 Well? What Happened Next?

[@tysonroach3353]

Where do you get the work rack you are using ? What is it called

[@fk8chick893]

Can anyone help me , I’m a noob and I wanted to ask - how many 32 oz grain bags can you inoculate with 1 fully colonized agar plate? Does the amount of spores you use to inoculate , affect potency of the fruits ? How many 32 oz grain bags can I get out of 1 spore syringe ?