Mushroom research is becoming increasingly popular among both qualified specialists and amateur mycologists. Their world is fascinating and, as various studies show, can contribute to progress in industry and medicine. However, it’s worth considering mushrooms not only from a utilitarian perspective. Observing them, especially the growth of mycelium on plates, is incredibly satisfying. However, conducting such research requires special material. This can be obtained, for example, by purchasing a ready-made growkit or creating your own using liquid cultures. How do they differ? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Which is better to choose? Find out by reading this article!
Liquid cultures and grow kits – one mushroom?
As a rule, both products are used to obtain material for observation, for example, under a microscope. Both liquid mycelium and a package with mycelium already colonizing the substrate allow for sampling for amateur research on a selected mushroom species.
The differences, however, lie in what should be done with the purchased product. While growkit generally allows for observations after a short time, liquid mycelium will only require inoculation into the appropriate substrate. I discuss these differences in more detail below.
What are growkits?
Apparently, they’re just a plastic bag “with something” inside, which, at first glance (especially to amateurs), doesn’t look like much. In practice, however, such “growboxes” are kits that already contain a substrate inoculated with biological material, developed enough to allow for easy observation of mycelium growth. In theory, such a package allows for the production of fruiting bodies. However, remember that if you’re working with a species that produces, for example, psilocybin, you should be aware that you shouldn’t allow this to happen. This is due to the fact that this compound is prohibited by law in Poland, specifically by the provisions of the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction.
It’s worth making a distinction here. For example, both full auto growkits and liquid cultures of psilocybin mushrooms are completely legal in Poland. This is because neither the spores nor the mycelium contain any illegal substances. Only the fruiting bodies begin to produce psilocybin and psilocin.
In summary, with a “growth box,” you can quickly and easily prepare material for microscopic examination. However, you shouldn’t allow it to fruit.
What are liquid mushroom cultures?
Okay, you more or less know what growkits are… But what is liquid mycelium? It’s a more complex topic, but equally fascinating! This is the abbreviation for biological material in the form of a suspension. These are isolated hyphae of selected fungal species placed in a special medium, usually high-malt or honey-based, and then actively begin to work in it.
They are sold in sterile syringes. This is important because any biological or chemical contamination can destroy the material. I mentioned above that, unlike grow kits, such material must first be inoculated into a suitable substrate. There are various recipes for these, primarily using ingredients that act as a nutrient (e.g., rye, corn, brown rice, or other grains) and also retain moisture (for example, perlite). They also need to be properly purified so that the liquid mycelium can develop without any problems.
What happens next once the material is inoculated? As long as you provide the right conditions, it will start working, and the mycelium will begin colonizing. This topic is all the more fascinating because you can observe the development of a given species from almost its original form. In fact, this is how you create your own growkit!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Growkits
Each of these solutions has its pros and cons. Let’s first take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing “grow kits.”
Benefits of Grow Kits
One of the biggest advantages of this solution is, above all, the ease of obtaining research material. Much, of course, depends on the quality and type of grow kit. However, my company offers what’s called a growkit full auto. What does this mean?
Obtaining mycelium for research generally doesn’t require much effort on your part. Humidification and ventilation are automatic – simply place the package in the appropriate location, in terms of temperature and shade. You just need to remember to keep it away from potential sources of contamination. Therefore, it shouldn’t be placed directly next to plants.
Automating mycelium colonization processes in growkits has the additional advantage of minimizing the risk of contamination. This occurs primarily when you collect samples of material for research. In such cases, it’s important to remember to use sterilized tools, ideally those intended exclusively for this purpose. Their ease of use also makes grow kits ideal for anyone just starting their mycology adventure.
Disadvantages of Grow Kits
There aren’t many. For more dedicated amateurs, a drawback may be that Full Auto products are… maintenance-free. Grow kits are available on the market that require additional “care.” The same applies to mycelium obtained from liquid cultures. They need to be misted, occasionally fanned to dry… In other words, they require work. For some, it’s the fun that automatic packs take away from them.
Growkits, especially full auto packs, are also less readily available. They often come from other countries and can be contaminated. By choosing the products available at Mykolaborian, you’re choosing the highest quality Polish products, guaranteeing mycelium that will provide an incredible viewing experience.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Liquid Mushroom Cultures
You’ve already learned about the benefits of using growth packs. What about liquid mycelium? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of product? Find out below!
Pros of Liquid Mycelium
The main advantages of this solution include, among others, shortening the colonization time. If you also have a ready-made substrate, the risk of potential product contamination is significantly lower. This is because the mycelium is injected directly from a syringe through a sterile needle into the container containing the nutrient medium.
As practice has shown, colonization in this case proceeds much faster. The mushroom cultures themselves grow more dynamically and to a wider extent. This means you quickly obtain material suitable for research.
Disadvantages of Liquid Cultures
While this is difficult to classify as a disadvantage, it certainly is for beginner mycologists. Specifically, the difficulty of using this product. Liquid mushroom cultures are typically recommended for those who already have experience working with mushrooms. Although it’s more difficult to contaminate the material in the syringe, you still need to ensure a suitable substrate. Those just starting out in the world of mushrooms don’t necessarily know how to dose the preparation to achieve the desired results. Therefore, working with it often involves trial and error.
The syringe should also be stored refrigerated. It’s been reported that many liquid mycelium requires a temperature of 3 to 5° Celsius to last for a month.
Which is better to choose?
After reading this article, you’ve probably had some doubts about which product is right for you. If you’re just starting out in the world of mycology and observing mycelium colonization, grow kits are a better choice. The Full Auto version guarantees easy operation and – as long as you follow certain rules – should provide you with a very intriguing experience of observing mycelium on a glass slide.
However, if you’re already an experienced amateur mycologist looking for a challenge and want more material for your own research, choose liquid mushroom cultures. This will give you plenty of product for playing with the microscope. Plus, creating a working grow kit yourself is incredibly fun!
If you’re looking for research material – check out the products available on the website.
Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll find a wide selection of grow kits and liquid mycelium in my company’s offerings. I’ve made sure that mushroom enthusiasts have access to the widest possible selection of Psilocybe cubensis varieties. Each one offers a different observation experience, as their mycelium has slightly different dynamics and development patterns. This will make your research a true adventure!