Expert: Walter Hintz - 5/8/2006

Question
Can you please aid me in a homemade agar mixture that will grow most molds found in buildings and homes?  The intent is to use the agars to test for harmful mold presences in homes, buildings etc.  There are several recipes out there but my ignorance of mold types and nutrient needs makes it difficult for me to choose the right one that will allow the growth of the correct molds. (black mold etc)  I understand that the agar mixtures can be purchased commercially but I would like to be able to make it myself if possible and if I can do it in a manner to grow the appropriate types of molds.

Answer
Hi C.E.
The best commercial agars for growing fungi are Sabarouds dextrose agar (SDA) and Potato dextrose agar.  Potato sucrose agar is also used.  Assuming you have the agar or plain gelatin trey using potato and sucrose.  I do not know if you can get dextrose or glucose. Cook the potato until very soft and liquify in a blender with some table sugar. You will have to experiment with the proportions.
Personally I think you will have more succes if you can get hold of some SDA