Microscopy for Dummys

[KeenTeen17]

How do I get the spores out of mushrooms because I have a proper microscope that I got last xmas?

[flaxton]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

How do I get the spores out of mushrooms because I have a proper microscope that I got last xmas?

KT
Easy. Just cut the stipe off and lay the cap on top of a glass slide. If it is a fresh specimen there will be enough spores to see under your scope within a short time often only a few minutes. You don't need or even want a thick spore deposit unless you are looking for the colour. If it is a dry specimen a few drops of water on the cap may help and then cover with a cup etc and leave overnight.

Mal

[NickCantle]

Alternatively, you can carve a tiny piece out of the gill edge (leaving you more likely to find a distinctive cheilocystidia) using a magnifying glass. Put it on the slide and add your droplet of water/stain whatever. Make sure the piece of gill isn't too large- you'll find yourself racking up and down like a madman

[CapAndBracket]

Or pluck of a small piece of gill edge with forceps.
Place on slide, (if its to big cut pieces away and remove sideways).
Apply drop of stain (with luck some spores will float of gill to clear area of slide)
Apply cover slrip (never get finger tips on slip, grease causes blur).
Cover finger tip with tissue and gently press down on slide cover,
(with luck the gill edge cells will fan out and you can see cystidia basidia seperately.

notice the word luck comes in quite a bit, if failure ensues rest assured you are not alone and try again.

Cheers J.P.

[flaxton]

KT
Using the spores still attached to the gills runs the risk that you may end up measuring immature spores but you would still see the shape ok.

Mal

[sarah64]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

How do I get the spores out of mushrooms because I have a proper microscope that I got last xmas?

That sounds like it'll be interesting. I know there are a lot of people who do the microscopy here, but you are just starting out which makes it really exciting. I haven't done any microscope stuff, although saying that I think I may have tried with my son's microscope but I was foxed because I didn't know how to use it and didn't have time to learn. I'm sure you'll have better luck with it!

[fairplay]

Another place to obtain mature spores is on the top half of the stem or ring if present but only if they are pink, brown or blackish so that they are visible against the back ground.

Usually with Honey Fungus, you will see the white spores on adjacent caps because they grow so close together. Just take a cap home and scrape off the 'white dust' with a scalpel and transfer to a slide, add a drop of water, gently lower a cover slip, remove excess water from around the edges (not too much though as you may draw out all the spores !) and plonk under the scope.

Spores are everywhere, so expect some aliens to creep in now and again, but they will usually be from the previous fungi you used your scalpel or forceps on, or your collection box may be contaminated.

With Bracket fungi, especially with Ganoderma's, just lick your finger, dab it on the cap (at the right time of year) and you will probably have hundreds of spores on your finger.

Good luck.

Neil.