Definition: Spawn is mycelium-colonized material—often sterilized grain or sawdust—used to inoculate a larger substrate under clean conditions.
Common types of spawn
| Type | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grain spawn | Scaling up indoors | High nutrition; breaks up and mixes easily. |
| Sawdust spawn | Wood-loving species | Pairs with wood-based substrates or outdoor legal projects. |
| Plug spawn | Logs/outdoor (legal contexts) | Dowels inoculated with mycelium for drilled logs. |
Healthy vs. unhealthy spawn
- Healthy: Bright white mycelium, even coverage, pleasant mushroom aroma.
- Unhealthy: Colors (green, black, blue), sour or sweet rot odors, slimy kernels, stalled patches.
Handling considerations
- Work cleanly to avoid introducing Trich and other competitors.
- Mix gently to maintain aeration and structure.
- Use timely—aging spawn may lose viability and vigor.
Legal & safety: Intended for lawful mycology research with permitted species. Observe local regulations and lab hygiene.