Pre-Poured Sterilized BLACK MEA Agar Plates (10-Pack)
Pre-Poured Sterilized BLACK MEA Agar Plates (10-Pack) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Description
Description
These Myco Labs Black MEA agar plates come 10 to a pack and are made with malt extract agar infused with activated carbon, so white and light-colored mycelium stands out sharply against a deep black background.
The extra contrast makes it easier to see morphology, sectoring and pigmentation, spot early contamination and isolate your strongest genetics. Each 90 x 15mm plate holds 20 mL of agar, sterilized at 18 PSI for 30 minutes and machine-poured fresh in our clean-room workflow, then sealed for protection.
- 10Plates per pack
- 90 x 15mmPetri dishes
- 20 mLAgar per plate
- CarbonInfused MEA
- 3–4 wksRefrigerated
360° view: bright white mycelium against deep black MEA for optimal contrast and sector visibility.
Why growers choose black agar
- Maximum contrast – White mycelium pops against the dark surface.
- Easier sector identification – Growth edges and sectors are easier to see, so you can isolate clean transfers.
- Carbon-enriched formula – Activated carbon gives the dark background and may help reduce bacterial spread.
- Photo-friendly – Ideal for documenting cultures and showcase plates.
- Machine-poured – Pressure-sterilized and filled to a consistent 20 mL per plate.
What's included
- 10 pre-poured, sterilized Black MEA agar plates (90 x 15mm, 20 mL each) with carbon-infused MEA
How to use black agar plates
- Work clean. Open plates only in front of a flow hood or inside a still air box.
- Inoculate. Place a small drop of spore solution or liquid culture, or a small piece of tissue, onto the plate.
- Seal. Wrap the edge of the plate with lab poly film.
- Incubate and evaluate. Use the contrast to watch morphology, sectoring and any early contamination.
- Transfer. Once growth appears, cut a clean wedge with a sterile scalpel and move it to grain jars, spawn bags or liquid culture.
What is black agar? It's nutrient-rich malt extract agar infused with activated carbon. The dark background serves three purposes: contrast that makes light mycelium highly visible, clarity for reading morphology, sectoring and pigmentation, and cleaner evaluation of subtle contamination or mixed growth.
Which agar plate should I choose?
Each agar type serves a specific purpose in your workflow.
| Agar type | Best for | Why growers use it | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black MEA (this listing) | High-contrast evaluation, isolation, showcase plates | Dark background makes sectors and edges easier to see | Any stage, ideal for detailed evaluation |
| Regular LME / MEA | Spore germination, first plates, contamination checks | Reliable baseline media for early-stage culture work | Start here → first transfer |
| Rapid Rhizo | 2nd and 3rd transfers, aggressive sector isolation | Encourages strong rhizomorphic, threadlike growth | After clean-up → final transfers |
| Manure-enriched conditioning agar | Performance testing, conditioning for bulk substrates | Tests genetics on richer, supplemented nutrition | Mid-to-late stage |
See how our black agar plates are made
Watch our clean-room workflow and automated pouring system in action, from sterilization to precision filling. It's the same controlled process used for every Black MEA plate we produce.
Behind the scenes: MediaPrep sterilization, precision fills, UV-C sanitization and our clean-room workflow.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Myco Labs |
| Quantity | 10 plates |
| Dish size | 90 x 15mm |
| Fill | 20 mL per plate |
| Media | Malt extract agar infused with activated carbon |
| Sterilization | 18 PSI for 30 minutes |
| Production | Poured at about 145°F, UV-C sanitized, capped and laser-labeled |
| Best for | High-contrast evaluation, sector isolation, showcase and photo plates |
| Storage | Refrigerate; use within 3–4 weeks for peak performance |
Complete your agar setupPair your plates with sterile scalpels and lab poly film, or browse all pre-sterilized agar plates.
FAQ
What makes the agar black?
The malt extract agar is infused with activated carbon, which gives it a deep black color.
Why use black agar instead of regular MEA?
The dark background makes white or light mycelium highly visible, so it's easier to read morphology, spot sectors and catch subtle contamination or mixed growth.
Does the activated carbon help with contamination?
Activated carbon may help reduce bacterial spread, and the contrast makes early contamination easier to see.
How much agar is in each plate?
Each 90 x 15mm plate is machine-filled with 20 mL of agar.
How should I store them?
Refrigerate the plates and use them within 3–4 weeks for peak performance.
