A spore syringes is a syringe filled with mushroom spores suspended in water. They are the most common form of transport for spores. They can be used for inoculation but are not as commonly used as Liquid Cultures or Petri dishes.

How to make a spore syringe

The first step in making a spore syringe is to sterilize the equipment you will be using. This can be done with 70% alcohol or 70/30 methylated spirits and water. This is a really important step in reducing the chance of contamination.

Second, make sure you use a sterile needle. You can buy these or you can make your own.

Once you have made the spore syringe, store it in a sterile box and keep it in a cool dark place for at least eight months. After this, you should be able to use it again and again.

Spore Syringes: The Ultimate Guide to Cultivating Mushrooms at Home

Third, if you want to use it for microscopy, you need to shake the syringe to distribute the spores evenly. Next, put a drop of the spore solution on to a microscope slide and put a cover glass over it.

Spores are one of the easiest ways to inoculate a substrate, as long as you don’t overdo it. They should only be squirted on to about 3 millilitres per square metre of substrate, which is a drop or two. This will ensure there is no danger of the spores being eaten or contaminated by fungi that aren’t mushrooms.