subject: Even An Amateur Mycologist Must Know "what Is A Spore Print?" From University Scientific [print this page] If you have an interest in mycology, which is the study of fungus, you have probably asked the question "What is a spore print"? In the most general terms, it is the collection of spores left behind by a mushroom cap after resting on a surface for an extended period. There are many reasons you might want to do this. University Scientific can help you in your quest.
Although a print alone is not enough to identify a fungus, a good print can be of great assistance when you are trying to ID a mushroom species. The color of the spores can be an important clue, so it is crucial that the print surface be good for color comparison. If you do not know whether the spores will be dark or light, you can use a clear surface and place the appropriate color under it for comparison.
Once you have a print, the pattern and color of spores is not the only clue it will yield. Spores may be studied under a microscope as well. Microscopic examination can also be used to identify a species.
If you are interested in examining spores under the microscope, you can order samples from mail order suppliers. This allows you to learn about the prints of species that are not native to your region. This microscopy practice can be very educational.
With careful procedures, you can also use the spores from a print to grow mushrooms. This is a more complicated procedure than can be described here, but you can easily find information elsewhere. If you are primarily interested in growing the fungus, you may be better off with a spore syringe.
Now you know "what is a spore print". You also know how a print may be useful to you. May this be the start of a long and productive mushroom hobby for you.
