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Spore & Culture

Spore Print

A foil or paper capture of a mature cap's spore drop.

Illustration of a spore print
Typical specifications
Capture surfaceAluminium foil or sterile paper
YieldMillions of spores per print
Storage life1 – 5 years cool and dry
Storage temperature4 – 10 °C, desiccated
Best colour readHalf on white, half on dark
RequiresAgar work to germinate
Spore & CultureSmall batches

Overview

A spore print is the deposit a mature cap leaves when it drops its spores onto foil or paper. It is the most compact way to store and trade genetics, and a single print can be used to start many agar plates. Working from prints requires agar because spores are not sterile and must be cleaned up on plates first.

Primary stage: Inoculation

Where it fits in the grow

Germinated on agar, then transferred to grain once clean growth appears.

Safety & handling

Spore prints can carry mould and bacterial spores. Never inhale over an open print, keep it sealed, and handle it with gloves in a still-air environment.

Practical advice

Take the print on foil with half the surface dark and half light — spore colour is one of the main identification features and is easy to misjudge on a single background.

Educational only. Mycelium Works does not sell this or any other product, and we receive no payment for listing it. Specifications vary by manufacturer — always follow the maker’s instructions and local regulations.
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