Exploring the Science of Growing and Testing Cloned Mushrooms
September 23, 2024
Cloning is a popular technique in mushroom cultivation that helps ensure consistent traits such as size, yield and more importantly, potency from a known fruiting body (mushroom).
For most mushroom-forming fungi, the lifecycle involves the germination of a spore, which grows into monokaryotic mycelium. To form a fruiting body, hyphae from two compatible spores must fuse (plasmogamy), resulting in dikaryotic mycelium, where each cell contains two nuclei—one from each parent spore. Under the right environmental conditions, this dikaryotic mycelium forms fruiting bodies (mushrooms), which eventually undergo nuclear fusion (karyogamy) and produce new spores.
Since a single mushroom is already dikaryotic, its mycelium contains two nuclei per cell. Cloning a mushroom involves replicating this existing dikaryotic mycelium to preserve its characteristics.
In our process, we begin by taking a small piece of tissue from inside the mushroom’s fruiting body. Because the mushroom is already dikaryotic, the cells in the tissue contain the necessary two nuclei for further growth. The tissue is then placed on an agar plate, a sterile nutrient-rich medium, allowing the dikaryotic cells to grow into new mycelium. This mycelium is genetically identical to the parent mushroom because it originated directly from the same tissue.
Once the mycelium has sufficiently grown, it is transferred to a substrate (we use brown rice) where it continues to grow. Once the brown rice is completely colonized by mycelium, we mix it with substrate where it will eventually form new fruiting bodies genetically identical to the original mushroom. It’s worth noting that mushrooms naturally grow as clones, since dikaryotic mycelium can produce hundreds of mushrooms. In our case, we control the process, selecting a mushroom with favorable traits and strong genetics.
Despite being clones grown under identical conditions, mushrooms can still exhibit variations in potency. We tested two separate batches of cloned Golden Mammoth mushrooms to compare their potency levels. From each batch, we selected five first-flush mushrooms of various sizes and tested their psilocybin and psilocin content using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
The results were as follows: For Tub #1 Mushroom 1 2 3 4 and 5 and Tub #2 Mushroom 1 2 3 4 and 5
Batch 1 had a mean potency of 8.3 mg ± 0.77 mg, meaning most mushrooms in this batch fell within a range of 7.5 mg to 9.1 mg.
Batch 2 showed a higher mean potency of 10.7 mg ± 1.05 mg, with mushrooms in this batch ranging from 9.6 mg to 11.8 mg.
These results demonstrate that, even though both batches were grown under the same conditions, natural variability in potency still occurs. If you want to know more about average potency in magic mushrooms, check out our blog that crunches data from 466 magic mushroom samples.
We hope testing becomes standard because we believe it leads to better outcomes for people, helping them get the strength of medicine they need. It also promotes accountability among mushroom sellers to provide quality, tested products.
It’s important to note the difference between testing ground mushrooms, as used in our microdose capsules, versus whole mushrooms. When testing whole mushrooms, there is some natural variability between individual fruiting bodies, as seen in our results. However, when mushrooms are ground into a uniform powder and tested, the potency becomes more consistent, as each dose contains the same concentration of active compounds. This makes powdered mushrooms a more reliable option for those seeking precise and consistent dosages.
But we also understand the appeal of whole dried mushrooms, especially if you’re preparing for a high-dose experience. Seeing and feeling the character of the whole mushroom can enhance the ritual. And when you’re taking a high dose, a little potency variability is often acceptable.
