Common Contaminants of the Mushroom Culture

[Deebs]

So it looks like I had my first contamination bag, TMC (The Mushroom Cultivator) was very helpful. I found this link with color somewhat helpful also. I thought that I would share here. That way you wont need to thumb through the other thread.

E-Book - The Mushroom Cultivator - A Practical Guide to Growing Mushrooms at Home

Good Reference

phenohunter.org

what are common contaminants of the mushroom culture

 

[Deebs]

From both an experimental and educational perspective , so far I have 1 contam out of 16 spawn bags. I'd like to share what this now looks like. It is sealed in a ziplock, 2 shopping bags to be immersed in ?.



Confirmed APE bag2 goner, I think the red dot at top center could be neorospora or geotrichum....do t know if that is hyphae/mycelium lower right or a mold..

 

[Deebs]

Another odd looker on one of the Albino A+ bags. Noticed after mixing up. Wondering if I should just bag it up (get rid of it), but it looks to be getting overtaken by mycelium, could it just be a burnt grain? or should I expeditiously remove it..

 

[coste]

Would be kinda cool if that was an ergot infection... i wouldn't fuck with it personally though. Black = bad. Especially if it's ergot, that shit'll kill ya.

 

[Deebs]

Would be kinda cool if that was an ergot infection... i wouldn't fuck with it personally though. Black = bad. Especially if it's ergot, that shit'll kill ya.

Lol I thought the same ..but..trash it is then..an albino a+ out..I just wasnt sure it if just wasnt a black seed

 

[coste]

Lol I thought the same ..but..trash it is then..an albino a+ out..I just wasnt sure it if just wasnt a black seed

With the fuzzy mycelium coming off of it, it reminds me of black spore. That's the one I never really let go too far (I've let a lot of contams run out to see what they do). Of all the molds, black spore scares me the most. It can cause significant symptoms in people with respiratory issues, and can even affect healthy individuals. It's not a contam to fuck with at all.

Good call on tossing it.

 

[Deebs]

So the other A+ is out too...

 

[coste]

Did you notice any other burnt grains? Having two bags go is suspicious. I'd let the second hang and see what happens.

If both bags went and you inoculated from the same syringe, assuming you purchased the syringe, and you're 100% positive you were sterile, I'd contact the seller.

I've never had a terrible contam rate at inoculation, even under less than ideal standards. Contams only hit after two or three flushes in monotubs or trays.

 

[Deebs]

Nope just 1 grain it looks like in each, I can see...i guess that's all i really need though right? If ergot that would have been infected berries right?

I had both of the apes contam too, but the teachers and B+ rocked and are now getting ready for sub time..did em all at the same time in the SAB...I used sterile technique..so I thought, alcohol wipe..flame...inoculate

 

[coste]

Yeah, ergot would be infected berries, which are more common than people would think. Either way, you don't want to fuck with ergot or black spore. Unless you're trying to do some highly technical chem shit and grow enough ergot for LSD-25 extraction -- hope you have a pro lab for that process though haha

 

[Deebs]

I wrote the vendor, lets see what happens..

Yeah, ergot would be infected berries, which are more common than people would think. Either way, you don't want to fuck with ergot or black spore. Unless you're trying to do some highly technical chem shit and grow enough ergot for LSD-25 extraction -- hope you have a pro lab for that process though haha

That would be cool, but no thanks Ill stay in the lane as much as possible..LOL..its in the too be emblazoned box

 

[coste]

I wrote the vendor, lets see what happens..

That would be cool, but no thanks Ill stay in the lane as much as possible..LOL..its in the too be emblazoned box

Don't get me wrong. Uncle Fester straight inspired me to uncover some much more *clears throat* professional techniques of production. BUT ergot is NOT to be fucked with regardless. Of the fungi kingdom, that is by far one of the most nefarious.

 

[Deebs]

Don't get me wrong. Uncle Fester straight inspired me to uncover some much more *clears throat* professional techniques of production. BUT ergot is NOT to be fucked with regardless. Of the fungi kingdom, that is by far one of the most nefarious.

I hear ya man...due to the inherent risk of some of the contamination is why I was hesitant to pursue this for years...its trying to be super vigilant, and watchful of changes..

Appreciate the feedback man!~

 

[coste]

I hear ya man...due to the inherent risk of some of the contamination is why I was hesitant to pursue this for years...its trying to be super vigilant, and watchful of changes..

Appreciate the feedback man!~

The one thing I can say is I've never fucked with rye for a variety of reasons -- ergot being one of them. WBS has NEVER done me wrong. I think I had a 1% bacterial contam rate in around a decade of knockups, either from multispore or g2g or isolates. Corn was a bit less reliable (hence sticking with WBS for spawn). Rye sketches me out; always has.

 

[coste]

I used to be active on a handful myco forums; won't be anymore. They aren't what they used to -- just like dmtnexus. Shit got flooded and the deeper down the rabbit hole you go, the more clear Big Brother's lens gets. Safest places for discoveries on in the dark now.

While the nutrient content in berries is fire, a bag of WBS is just fine for getting some solid spawn going.

A trashbag full of composted horse poo does wonders.

Add some straw, you've got the most potent mushies anyone that claims "experienced" you know will say you've laced em with some other significant compound.

Not tooting my own horn, but there are legends from my homeland about my product. Some basic shit works, on the cheap even.

 

[Deebs]

Response back from the vendor

 

[Deebs]

After explaining my concern, and few conversations, they are sending me total replacement for the order, but knowing there may be a piece of sterilized ergot. I didn't give a bad review or file a return, but messaged them.

 

[macsnax]

After explaining my concern, and few conversations, they are sending me total replacement for the order, but knowing there may be a piece of sterilized ergot. I didn't give a bad review or file a return, but messaged them.


View attachment 14130

I've found that a few nice words gets you somewhere most of the time, good move.