Potato Dextrose Agar, PDA

A versatile media that is well-known for encouraging the growth of molds and yeasts is Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). It has a balance of carbohydrates and potato infusion that was first created in 1970 by Beever and Bollard. This particular composition promotes the growth of accompanying bacteria while at the same time fostering the growth of fungal microorganisms. The pH can be adjusted to approximately 3.5 to maximize its utility for fungal counts. The characteristic morphology of fungi grown on PDA facilitates identification.
PDA is used in the cultivation, isolation and enumeration of molds and yeasts in a variety of materials, especially food. The medium is suitable for food testing since it complies with the guidelines set forth by reputable organizations like the United States Pharmacopeia and the American Public Health Association. Potatoes and dextrose provide a nutrient-rich base that promotes strong fungal development. Agar is added to promote sporulation. To stop agar hydrolysis, it is essential not to heat the medium after acidification. It is possible to modify PDA by adding acids or antibiotics to stop the growth of bacteria.

Storage
Keep the container at 15-30 °C and prepared medium at 2-8 °C.