5 Pack Pre-Poured Sterilized Malt Extract Agar Plates

Premium Sterilized Malt Extract 5 Pack Agar Plates, designed to foster robust mycelium growth. Here’s why our plates are the ideal choice for mushrooms growers:

• Crafted with a meticulously formulated blend of ingredients to ensure superior growth conditions.
• Made with 100mm polystyrene Petri dishes for reliable durability.
• Each plate undergoes pressure sterilization and is poured in a controlled lab environment, utilizing a clean room to maintain utmost purity.
• Comes In assorted colors, assisting in tracking usage dates for best results.
• Made Fresh Daily
• Sealed In Polyfilm

Ingredients: Agar, Malt Extract, Yeast Extract, & Locust Gum

*For optimal performance, store the plates in the refrigerator and use them within 4 weeks of receipt.

What Are Agar Plates Used For?

Agar plates are a fundamental tool in microbiology and mycology, serving as a primary medium for cultivating and isolating microorganisms, including fungi. These plates consist of a gelatinous substance called agar, which is derived from seaweed and acts as a growth surface. Agar is mixed with various nutrients to create a conducive environment for the growth of mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi. In mushroom cultivation, Malt Extract Agar (MEA) is commonly used due to its rich nutrient profile, promoting vigorous and healthy mycelium development.

In the context of mushroom cultivation, agar plates play a crucial role in the initial stages of growing mushrooms. They are used to propagate and isolate fungal spores or tissue samples in a sterile environment, preventing contamination from unwanted microorganisms. The process begins by inoculating the agar surface with spores or a piece of mushroom tissue. This inoculated plate is then incubated at a controlled temperature, allowing the mycelium to grow and spread across the agar surface. By observing the growth on the agar plate, cultivators can assess the health and vigor of the mycelium and ensure that it is free from contaminants.

Once the mycelium has established itself on the agar plate, it can be transferred to other growing mediums, such as grain or sawdust, to further expand its growth. This transfer process, known as spawning, involves cutting small pieces of the mycelium-covered agar and placing them into the new substrate. The mycelium continues to grow and colonize the new medium, eventually forming the foundation for fruiting bodies, which are the actual mushrooms. Agar plates are thus an essential step in the mushroom cultivation process, providing a controlled and nutrient-rich environment for the initial growth and ensuring a clean and robust culture for further development.