Propagation tests trials and experiments. - Page 4 - Orchid Board

Tsuchibuta · #31 02-27-2012, 02:58 PM

So I tried using 3 types of media for filtering the syringe cap during the bleach sterilization.

Cotton - worked the best and easiest to use
Coffee Filter - worked but hard to position without tearing
Paper towel - didn't work at all for me, tried multiple sizes and ways to place it. None worked all that well.

I likely will use cotton from here on out (in the syringe sterilization method) , unless somebody else has a better suggestion.

Tsuchibuta · #32 03-03-2012, 01:06 PM

2 week update - 4 empty flasks found with milky contamination all P723 microwave sterilized in poly container. 1 flask was drained wiped with lysol wipe and small amount of Bletilla striata seed was sown on it. It has been 1 week an so far no contamination is observed on this flask. Remarkably the soda bottles that had no additional sterilization other than just boiling the media and pouring it in have yet to show any signs of contamination.

As for growing, it has been only 2 weeks, so not overly surprised there is no germination yet. It is my understanding that Bletilla is fairly quick to germinate and isn't really picky about media, so I expect as long as my sterilization methods didn't kill the seed I should see some germination soon.

camille1585 · #33 03-03-2012, 04:16 PM

Nice to hear your first results! Is that the only contamination you got out of all the different combinations?

Tsuchibuta · #34 03-04-2012, 06:13 PM

Yes out of all the combos that I have tried only P723 microwaved in poly has had any signs of contamination. I found another today (P723 in Poly) unfortunately it was already sown with Eulophia seed. Right now the contamination isn't severe, so I will likely keep the flask to observe. I'm still amazed that in a house that walls will mold if I don't run the dehumidifer I haven't had more mold contamination. So far all the contamination that I have notice seems to be bacterial. (i'm guessing from the sour milk smell)

The contamination is bittersweet, it's bad obviously however it gives me a chance to see the extent of effectiveness that gas fumigation may have. Theoretically if the method can kill fungi and bacterial spores on seed then it should be able to do the same to the surface of the media. My only concern is if the gas will have any affect on spores that may have penetrated the media.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #35 03-05-2012, 02:44 AM

Bletilla striata seeds more accurately can germinate between 2 - 3 weeks from sowing.

Tsuchibuta · #36 03-07-2012, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Bletilla striata seeds more accurately can germinate between 2 - 3 weeks from sowing.

I'm sure it's like the saying, "a watched pot never boils" I just can't help but look at them everyday. Of course I kinda have to in order to record the data, but it makes it feel like it's taking twice as long.

On a more somber note, catastrophe struck my seed sowing expedition today. While on the final rinse of the seed, the cap flew of the syringe and I lost all of my Dendrobium harveyanum seed. It likely wouldn't have been viable anyway as it was pretty old (4 years). I'm really just more upset because I was letting is soak in sugar solution for the last 12 hrs.... oh the wasted time.

My wife is going to try and find me different syringes with screw on needles instead of using caps with holes in them. Filter paper or cotton can still be put between the needle and syringe and there is less likelihood of repeating my error.

Currently I'm up to 38 flasks sown - 15 gas fumigation the rest bleach solution in syringe sown in glove box. 6 types of media. Only 1 has contamination and I think that contamination is from the media sterilization not the seed.

Also I needed more space on the flask shelf, so I added 2 daylight bulbs to another self to handle the replates. Currently it just has the 5 flasks that I had sown for me previously. So now I have 1 shelf to handle empty flasks, 1 shelf for lighted motherflasks, 1 shelf for replates, and 1 shelf for dark motherflasks.

Tsuchibuta · #37 03-17-2012, 08:07 AM

Finally some growth. 2 Flasks both commercial are showing some green. One has a little contamination though (It was contaminated prior to sowing though)

Tsuchibuta · #38 03-21-2012, 10:26 AM

So I now have 9 flasks of Blettilla striata germinated. I think one of the Trias flasks as well, but the seed is so small and they are still so tiny I can hardly tell if they green or yellow. Seed just seems more visible I think, of course that could just be wishful thinking clouding my vision.

I do have a question though, does anyone know what the protocorns of a Eulophia look like? The seeds look to be swollen in a few of the flasks but they are still white. I have seen pictures of other terrestrial orchids which have white protocorns until they start to grow leaves.