Guys, for the last 4-5 years I have been trying to identify a Talaromyces that specifically grow on seeds of Washingtonia.
You can follow and see the pics here:
https://mushroomobserver.org/262509
To sequence it, I have to isolate it on media, which I managed. Now I need to dry it. I have a home made incubator with temperature control (now set at 40C). My plan is to put the petri dish in it but the water moisture evaporating out will condense on the lid and back into the media. I thought of uncovering it but I am afraid it gets contaminated leaving it uncovered for a day. Ideas:
Drilling the lid with small hole / holes (less chance of contamination)
Place a sterile filter paper instead of the lid.
Sprinkle over sulfur to inhibit growth of any fungi (just a weird idea!).
Put petri dish it in a sterile, close tupperware container with the lid open over a bed of dry silica gel
How should I dry it without contaminating it.