Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae, commonly used in mushroom cultivation as a growth medium. It provides a nutrient-rich and sterile environment for mushroom spores or mycelium to grow. Agar is typically used in Petri dishes or jars to isolate pure cultures, monitor growth, and identify contamination.
Different types of agar, such as Malt Extract Agar (MEA), are popular among cultivators for their ability to support healthy mycelium growth. It’s an essential tool for anyone looking to refine their mushroom cultivation techniques.