Yeast Mold Agar (YM Agar, YMA)
Yeast Mold Agar (YM Agar, YMA)
General-Purpose Medium for Cultivation & Enumeration of Yeasts and Moulds
Product Identification
General Information
Product Name: Yeast Mold Agar (YM Agar, YMA)
Catalogue Number: AS-1382
Medium Type: General-purpose fungal culture medium
Form: Dehydrated powder
Product Overview
Yeast Mold Agar (YM Agar, also known as YMA) is a nutrient-rich solid culture medium formulated for the cultivation and enumeration of yeasts, moulds, and other acid-tolerant microorganisms. Based on Wickerham’s formulation, YM Agar supports robust fungal growth and is widely used for isolating fungi from mixed microbial populations.
The combination of peptone, yeast extract, malt extract, and dextrose provides a balanced supply of nitrogen, vitamins, and carbohydrates. The medium’s formulation favours fungal growth and may be further enhanced by acidification or selective agents to suppress bacterial interference where required.
YM Agar is commonly used in food microbiology, environmental monitoring, cosmetic and pharmaceutical QC, and mycological research.
Principle of the Medium
Functional Components
Peptone: Source of nitrogen and amino acids
Yeast Extract: Provides B vitamins and growth factors
Malt Extract: Enhances yeast and mould growth
Dextrose (Glucose): Primary fermentable carbohydrate
Agar: Solidifying agent
The slightly acidic pH promotes fungal growth while limiting bacterial proliferation.
Typical Composition (per litre)
Formulation Information
Peptone: 5.0 g
Yeast Extract: 3.0 g
Malt Extract: 3.0 g
Dextrose (Glucose): 10.0 g
Agar: 20.0 g
Final pH: 6.2 ± 0.2 at 25 °C
Applications
Food & Beverage Microbiology
Isolation and enumeration of yeasts and moulds in food and beverage samples
Environmental & Industrial Monitoring
Environmental monitoring in pharmaceutical and cosmetic production areas
Assessment of fungal contamination in raw materials
Research & Education
Fungal ecology and taxonomy studies
Routine teaching and laboratory demonstrations
Key Features
Performance Advantages
Supports a broad range of yeasts and moulds
Balanced nutrient composition for consistent growth
Suitable for enumeration and isolation workflows
Compatible with acidification or selective supplements
Clear colony morphology for accurate counting
Preparation Guidelines
General Preparation
Suspend 41.0 g of dehydrated medium in 1 L of purified water
Heat with frequent agitation until completely dissolved
Autoclave at 121 °C for 15 minutes
Cool to 45–50 °C and pour into sterile Petri dishes
Storage & Stability
Storage Conditions
Dehydrated medium: Store at 15–30 °C, dry and tightly sealed
Prepared plates: Store at 2–8 °C, protected from light
Do not use if contamination, dehydration, or colour change is observed.
Intended Use & Safety
Regulatory Statement
For laboratory use only.
Not intended for medical, food, or veterinary consumption.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to use.