PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) — 6-Pack

PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) — The Classic Mycology Medium

Potato Dextrose Agar is one of the oldest and most respected culture media in mycology. Its starch-based nutrition from potato extract combined with dextrose creates an environment that many mushroom species find ideal for robust, even growth. PDA is especially favoured for species that naturally break down starchy substrates, and it remains a staple in professional mycology labs worldwide.

What's Included

6 pre-poured sterile agar cups (4 oz clear plastic cups with lids), ready for immediate use. Each cup contains a firm, light amber PDA surface made with potato extract and dextrose.

Why PDA?

• Starch-based nutrition — potato extract provides complex carbohydrates and natural growth factors that many species respond to strongly.
• Industry standard — PDA has been the medium of choice in professional mycology for decades, with extensive documentation across hundreds of species.
• Excellent for certain species — species like shiitake, maitake, and many wood-decomposing fungi often show enhanced growth on PDA compared to malt-based media.
• Great for comparison — run PDA alongside LME agar to determine which medium your specific strain prefers.

How to Use

1. Work inside a still air box (SAB) or in front of a laminar flow hood.
2. Wipe the cup lid and your tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
3. Inoculate the agar surface with spores, a tissue sample, or a culture transfer using a sterile scalpel or inoculation loop.
4. Replace the lid and seal the edge with parafilm.
5. Incubate at 21–24°C (70–75°F) and monitor for growth over 5–14 days.

Why Buy Pre-Made Agar?

• No pressure cooker needed — skip the hours of sterilization and guesswork.
• Consistent quality every time — precise nutrient ratios, proper gel firmness, zero batch variation.
• Sterile and ready to use — produced in our CFIA-licensed facility in Brantford, Ontario.
• No failed pours — no cracked cups, no condensation disasters, no wasted ingredients.
• Save time for what matters — spend your energy on transfers, isolations, and growing mushrooms.

Storage

Store sealed cups in the refrigerator (2–8°C / 36–46°F). Shelf life is 6 months to 1 year when kept sealed and refrigerated. Keep away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Inspect for contamination before use — discard any cup that shows unexpected mould or discolouration before opening.

Price Breakdown

• 6-Pack: $30.00 — just $5.00 per plate.
• Case of 60: $120.00 — only $2.00 per plate (60% savings).

Whether you need a handful for a single project or a full case for ongoing work, we have you covered.

Explore Our Full Agar Lineup

Compare PDA results with LME Agar and Honey Agar to find the optimal medium for each strain. Use LME Carbon Agar for high-contrast strain isolation, and store your best genetics long-term on Sawdust Preservation Agar.