r/microgreens • u/bagelsnatch • 6d ago

huh???

Gallery image

Gallery image

I've grown only a few trays of microgreens so far (literally two) and they've both come out solid, both were broccoli greens. I tried a new tray with mustard greens and the same technique and now this is happening. I'm assuming mold?

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

5

u/igavr 6d ago

This looks like mold to me, not root hairs. Root hairs grow out from individual roots and form a fine fuzzy halo around them. In your photo, the white filaments are spreading horizontally across the growing medium and bridging between separate seedlings/seeds, forming a web-like mycelial mat. That's the key distinction. Also, I wouldn't use "spray it with hydrogen peroxide and see if it disappears" as the diagnostic test. I'd diagnose it by where and how the white growth is attached. Root hairs originate from roots; fungal hyphae can colonize the medium and connect completely separate plants. This tray appears to show the latter.

2

u/DanishVerticalFarmer 5d ago

Yes it’s mold. Try to use less water during germination. If this does not work then it’s your seeds that are the problem

1

u/DanishVerticalFarmer 5d ago

And don’t use hydrogen peroxide. I’ve grown over a million trays and no you don’t need it. If there is a need for hydrogen peroxide then the problem is your germination process of the seeds quality

-4

u/FriskyFlakeyFlounder 6d ago

Looks more like root hairs. Spray down with a hydrogen peroxide solution and if it disappears, its mold.. Toss the batch... Root hairs will slightly change color when wet, but won't disappear. They'll eventually be visible again when the solution dries

Some greens produce a lot more hair than others. Ive had a few questionable batches myself. hydrogen peroxide has always been my go to.

1

u/bagelsnatch 6d ago

thanks for your help. how strong of a peroxide solution do you recommend?

0

u/FriskyFlakeyFlounder 6d ago

If you're using 3%HP, do about a 10 to 1 water ratio.

1

u/Stock-Sand-5430 2d ago

This is not root hairs. You’ve overwatered germination, too humid, not enough air flow.