Question: Firstly, I havent a CLUE what I'm doing with agar or the different types or why to chose this one or that. The situation is this. I have a bunch of prints i made last year. I failed my first... View MoreQuestion: Firstly, I havent a CLUE what I'm doing with agar or the different types or why to chose this one or that. The situation is this. I have a bunch of prints i made last year. I failed my first wbs tek using these prints, (cobweb mold). So i ordered some potato agar dishes, just came in the mail. I dont know whether to make another syringe to hydrate the spores then put to agar or straight spores to agar. Should i use as few spores as possible on the agar or a lot? Should i use multiple prints on the same dish or one print per dish or the same print on multiple dishes and how many places on the dish should i put spores? I am anticipating having to transfer to another dish once it gets going to make sure its clean but how many times should i transfer before i can trust i have a clean culture? I see so few posts on closeup images of mycelium grown out on agar and how to know the best portion to cut and transfer. I hear "sectoring" but havent seen examples. Is there a book or something with images on this? Sorry for all the questions. Im new to the hobby and i have read so many conflicting opinions. I want to get this right but also understand why i am taking the steps suggested. My common sense is much better if i understand the process. I really appreciate those of you that offer help and explanation. Everyone here is winning. Im new here but i havent seen a single rude comment. I love yall!
Daaaang thank you tyler! I havent seen this. Im realizing google isnt the best spot to search. I was looking at mycology classes offered here. 700 a semester though...I'll just get the text book
Okay i did a bunch of reading this morning on the agar teks. What is the best method of getting as few spores from the print onto the dish? I am confused as to technique specifically. I read i want as few as possible. What if i just touched the sterile swabs that came with the kit onto the agar then... View MoreOkay i did a bunch of reading this morning on the agar teks. What is the best method of getting as few spores from the print onto the dish? I am confused as to technique specifically. I read i want as few as possible. What if i just touched the sterile swabs that came with the kit onto the agar then barely touch the print then do the zigzag smear? Does that sound like a good plan? I already made a loop with a paper clip and an exacto knife so i definitely dont have a problem with that but the swabs are "sterilized" according to the kit i purchased and they are long so no possibility of having my hands near the open dish except to remove/replace dish lid.