Bas Mycology

Using Agar Premix Media

How to Use: Premium Agar Premix

Creating your own agar Petri dishes for spore and mycelium cultivation is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure success and make the most of your lab endeavors.

Supplies You’ll Need:

  • Pressure Canner: For sterilizing your media.
  • Infrared Thermometer: To monitor the cooling temperature of your media accurately.
  • Media Bottle (1L recommended): We use a 1L bottle in this video, ideal for handling and pouring.
  • Digital Scale and Scoop: For precise measurement of the agar media powder.
  • Magnetic Rod & Stir Plate: To thoroughly mix the agar media.
  • Sterile Petri Dishes: For pouring and growing your cultures.
  • Still Air Box or Flowhood: To maintain a sterile environment while working.

Steps to Prepare Agar Media:

  1. Weigh the Agar Media Powder:
    • Measure 50 grams of agar media powder per liter of water.
    • Add the powder to 1 liter of water in a 1,000ml media bottle.
  2. Mix the Media:
    • Tighten the lid on the bottle and mix thoroughly.
    • You can shake the bottle to dissolve the powder before cooking.
  3. Sterilize the Media:
    • Place the media bottle in the pressure canner.
    • Sterilize at 15 PSI for 30 minutes.
  4. Cool the Media:
    • Allow the pressure canner to cool for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  5. Mix Again:
    • Place the media bottle on the magnetic stir plate and mix thoroughly.
  6. Check the Temperature:
    • Use the infrared thermometer to ensure the media has cooled to 125°F to 138°F (51°C to 59°C) before handling.
  7. Pour the Plates:
    • Work in front of a flowhood or inside a still air box to maintain sterility.
    • Carefully pour the agar media into sterile Petri dishes.

Helpful Tips:

  • Always prioritize safety when working with hot media bottles and pressure cookers.
  • Let the media cool sufficiently to avoid burns and ensure proper handling.
  • Work in a clean and sterile environment to minimize contamination.

Why Make Your Own Agar Plates?
Preparing your own agar Petri dishes is an essential skill for any hobbyist or professional mycologist. It allows for greater control over the cultivation process and is an enjoyable hands-on experience that deepens your understanding of mycology.

Enjoy the process, fellow myco nerds, and don’t hesitate to experiment and improve your techniques!

Ready to Start?
Head over to Culture Media & Additives to get high-quality agar media and everything you need for your lab endeavors.