Description
Pre-poured MEA Plates – Petri Dishes (Malt Extract Agar) for Mushroom Cultivation
Our agar plates are thick-poured to help retain moisture longer, preventing drying and extending the life of your cultures.
Your purchase includes:
- 10x Pre-cut Parafilm strips
- 10x 90mm Petri dishes with MEA, sealed with Parafilm
Store these plates at room temperature. Do not refrigerate unless colonized.
Plate Shelf Life and Storage
The optimal shelf life for plates is 30-45 days. Order plates as needed, as they cannot be stored indefinitely, even in their original packaging. While most plates can last for months, their ideal shelf life is 30 days.
Usage and Contamination
Plates may remain usable beyond 30 days if uncontaminated. If contamination occurs in one plate, it doesn’t affect others in the pack. Discard contaminated plates and use the rest as normal.
Long-term Storage
Extended storage may cause plates to lose moisture, becoming stiff and papery. Use plates only if they remain gelatinous and uncontaminated. Discard any that become stiff or papery, as they can no longer support organism growth.
Refund Policy
For damaged or contaminated plates upon delivery:
• Contact us within 30 days of the ORDER date
• Provide photos for refund requests
• No replacements are offered; only refunds
Storage Guidelines
Before inoculation:
• Store in a cool, dry place (e.g., cupboard)
• Avoid refrigeration to prevent condensation
• Place upside down to minimize condensation
After colonization:
• Refrigerate when at least 60% colonized
• Label (date and species) and put in zip-lock bags for storage
• It is best to keep it in the vegetable compartment of the fridge
Remember: The packaging sleeve is not a sterile seal. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining plate quality.
About the Petri Dish:
These dishes are made from clear polystyrene, providing clarity while being disposable and durable. They are easy to stock and grip, featuring an anti-slip ring for stability.
General MEA Petri Dish Information:
MEA is a gelatinous medium used for purifying, germinating, isolating, and manipulating mushroom mycelium. These Petri dishes are 100% ready to inoculate with spores or mushroom mycelium.
We recommend MEA plates for:
- Germinating spores
- Isolating specific mushroom strains
- School projects to grow bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses (We offer a separate listing for a school project kit on our eBay store)
These plates are treated with UVC light, greatly reducing the chances of contamination.
Malt Extract:
Malt extract, rich in maltose, provides an ideal environment for fungi growth due to its high carbon, protein, and nitrogen content.
Agar-Agar:
Agar-Agar, extracted from seaweeds such as gracilaria and gelidium, contains no animal ingredients. Its unique gel properties and stability make it an excellent firming and thickening agent for Petri dish experiments.
You can also purchase Anti-bacterial Agar Plates or other pre-made Agar mixes from our store to create your own agar plates.
