Preparation of Grape Agar Plates

PREPARATION OF GRAPE AGAR PLATES

Protocol for the Preparation of Grape Juice Agar Plates is identical to that described by the manufacturer

Materials Used

· Flystuff Grape Agar Powder Premix Packets - Genesee Scientific Cat# 47-102

· 35mm plates - Fisher Scientific Cat# S01775

· Hotplate/stirrer

· Stir bar

· Microwave

Protocol

1. Add 500 ml room temperature dH₂O to a 1L glass flask or beaker

2. Slowly pour packet contents from 1 packet onto the dH₂O in the flask while stirring gently until all powdered components have dissolved leaving no clumps

3. Microwave on high until the mixture begins to vigorously boil and climb up the sides of the flask (~4-5 minutes)

4. Do NOT add stir bar to the flask before microwaving

5. Upon boiling, remove the flask from the microwave (Warning: container will be extremely hot) and gently stir with a stir plate for 5-10 minutes or until the solution cools to approximately 70-75°C. May also stir the solution by hand to achieve the same results.

6. Microwave again on high until the mixture begins to boil and climb up the sides of the flask (~2-3 minutes)

7. DO NOT add stir bar to the flask before microwaving

8. Upon boiling, remove the flask from the microwave (Warning: Container will be extremely hot!) and gently stir with a stir plate (tilt flask and let stir bar fun down side of flask) for at least 15 minutes or until the solution cools to approximately 55-60°C.

9. Pour Plates

Note: 1 Packet is sufficient to fill 79 35mm dishes

10. Store plates at 4°C

Helpful Hints

· Place the glass flask or beaker into a secondary container to capture any overflow that may occur during boiling.

· Spillage can be prevented by keeping a close eye on the mix while microwaving and removing once the mixture begins to boil and climb up the sides of the flask.

· Cook time will be affected by model, age and power of your microwave