Myco Labs Light Malt Extract (LME) Agar Powder Blend - Makes 200+ Agar Plates 200g (7oz)
Myco Labs Light Malt Extract (LME) Agar Powder Blend - Makes 200+ Agar Plates 200g (7oz) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Description
Description
Myco Labs LME (Light Malt Extract) Agar Powder Blend is our house-formulated agar mix for mushroom cultivation, cloning and isolation work. One 200g (7oz) bag makes 200+ standard 90mm agar plates — about 10¢ per plate.
Extra light malt extract, high-strength agar and soy peptone, pre-mixed. Add distilled water, sterilize and pour: 200+ plates per bag.
- 200g7 oz bag
- 200+90mm plates
- ~10¢Per plate
- 16gPer 500 mL water
- 15 PSI20 min sterilize
Three ingredients, balanced for mycelium
The lightest grade of malt extract sets to a clear amber medium, so mycelium growth and any contamination are easy to read, especially during sector isolation.
Added nitrogen for faster, denser growth, including slower functional species like reishi, cordyceps and maitake.
Sets firm enough to cut clean wedges and survive repeated transfers without tearing. The same formulation behind every colonized plate we sell.
Pour your own plates in 4 steps
All you need is the powder, distilled water, a pressure cooker and sterile dishes.
1Measure
16 g of powder per 500 mL of distilled water. One 500 mL batch pours about 25 plates at 18–20 mL each.
2Sterilize
Stir until fully dissolved, cover loosely with foil, and run at 15 PSI (121°C) for 20 minutes in a pressure cooker or autoclave.
3Cool & pour
Let it cool to 120–140°F, then pour in a still air box or in front of a flow hood, filling each dish about one-third.
4Set & store
Let plates set with lids cracked, then stack upside down. Use now, or seal and refrigerate at 35–40°F for up to 30 days.
Use distilled water. Tap water's minerals, chlorine and chloramines can affect how the agar sets, shift pH and sometimes inhibit mycelium. Reverse osmosis water also works well. For a full walkthrough, read our 2026 guide to using agar plates.
Clear, firm plates every time
Plates poured with this blend
If a plate stays soft or leaves liquid on top, it's almost always one of three things: powder that wasn't fully dissolved before sterilizing, tap water, or a heavy measure. A slight haze is normal; a cloudy plate usually means it was boiled hard or over-dosed.
- Stir until no clumps remain
- Distilled or RO water only
- Stick to 16 g per 500 mL
Growers who like a little give for wedge work can drop to 14 g per 500 mL.
Store the resealed bag cool and dry: 12+ months unopened, about 6 months once opened.
What's included
- 200g (7oz) of pre-mixed LME agar powder in a resealable bag
- Makes 200+ standard 90mm plates at 16g powder per 500 mL distilled water
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Myco Labs |
| Net weight | 200g (7oz) |
| Ingredients | Extra light malt extract, high-strength agar powder, soy peptone |
| Yield | 200+ standard 90mm plates |
| Mixing ratio | 16g powder per 500 mL distilled water (about 25 plates per batch) |
| Cost per plate | About $0.10 |
| Sterilization | 15 PSI / 121°C for 20 minutes |
| Pour temperature | 120–140°F (50–60°C) |
| Shelf life | 12+ months unopened; 6 months opened and resealed, in cool, dry storage |
| Origin | Blended in Illinois, USA |
Everything you need to pour plates
LME Agar PowderThis product
Sterile Petri Dishes20-pack sleeve
Large Still Air Box30 × 20 × 21 in
LC Premix Formula 15250 g, makes 3+ gal
| Agar Powder | Petri Dishes | Still Air Box | LC Premix | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Pre-mixed LME agar | Sterile vented dishes | Clean-air workstation | Dry liquid culture broth |
| Use it for | Pouring plates | Holding the agar | Pouring and transfers | Expanding cultures off agar |
| Quantity | 200 g, 200+ plates | 20 dishes | One workstation | 250 g, 3+ gallons |
| Pairs with | Dishes, still air box | Agar powder | Agar, LC, scalpel | Agar plates, syringes |
Pour for even lessPair this powder with Microppose reusable autoclavable petri dishes for the lowest long-term cost per plate, or use sterile disposable petri dishes. You'll also want a pressure cooker or autoclave and a laminar flow hood.
FAQ
How many plates does one bag make?
At 16g of powder per 500 mL of water, one 200g bag makes about 200 standard 90mm plates filled to 18–20 mL each. Most users get 180–220 plates depending on fill and spills.
What's the difference between LME and MEA?
MEA (malt extract agar) is the broad category. LME uses the lightest grade of malt extract, which produces a cleaner amber medium for evaluating mycelium and spotting contamination. Our blend also adds soy peptone for extra nitrogen.
Can I use it for all mushroom species?
Yes. It supports common gourmet species like oysters, shiitake, lion's mane and pioppino, functional species like reishi, cordyceps and maitake, and exotic varieties.
Do I need an autoclave?
No. A pressure cooker that reaches 15 PSI (121°C / 250°F) works for hobby-scale agar work. A dedicated autoclave makes larger or commercial batches faster.
Why are my plates soft or watery on top?
Almost always one of three things: powder that wasn't fully dissolved before sterilizing, tap water (its minerals and chloramines interfere with the set), or a heavy measure. Stir until there are no clumps, use distilled or RO water, and stick to 16 g per 500 mL.
Why is my agar cloudy?
Common causes are powder that wasn't fully dissolved before sterilizing, overheating in the pressure cooker, mineral-heavy water, or using more than 16g per 500 mL. Prepared correctly, it should be a clear amber; slight haze is normal.
Can I make a softer plate?
Yes. If you like a little give for wedge work, drop to 14 g of powder per 500 mL of distilled water.
Is this the same agar you use in your colonized plates?
Yes. It's the same formulation we use to pour every colonized agar plate we sell.
How long does the powder last?
12+ months unopened, and about 6 months once opened, kept resealed in a cool, dry place.
