Help! Nightmare: superthrive overdose

[RobS]

Although local mutations can happen a hormone overdose is more likely. Hormones normally don't cause mutations.

[bodaciousbonsai]

Originally Posted by ronaldhanko

Someone can correct me who knows better, but I thought something like Superthrive could not permanently affect the genetics of the plant - could only produce a temporary effect.

UMMMMMM???? I think it says only one drop per gallon.

[dounoharm]

i dont think it can perm affect the genes of your plant....but the newer growth was definately affected by the use of artificial growth hormones ie superthrive....it will repair itself in a few growths....my opinion...

[Eyebabe]

Speaking in general, genetic mutations are "mistakes" that occur in replication.
So if a plant is "replicating" or growing and an error occurs in this process, you will potentially have a mutation. (As all genetic defects in replication don't necessarily produce a phenotypic alteration/mutation)
In theory, further growth from the mutation will perpetuate the defect.
I think because superthrive/homornes stimulate faster growth, there is a higher likelihood of a replication mistake. Think of cancer...a fast growing collection of mutated cells. All cancer comes from normal cells that created a "mistake" when replicating. It seems logical that superthrive can and does cause mutations.
Furthermore, I would think the new growth producing the mutation will perpetuate the defect. However, I have no experience in this and would defer to experimental studies if they exist.
Another question is whether the old growth can be effected with the mutation. I would think NOT....but I don't know for sure. Again, experimentation would yield an answer.
My question finally is this: If the new growth has the mutation, and the old growth does not, then will removing the new growth (and of course removing the hormone ie. no more superthive) restore the normal blooms?

I will try to find some information on this and if anyone already knows the answer then please enlighten
Quite a fascinating topic imo

[neb]

I have a Bllra. that when I got it last year it was in bloom with some strange looking flowers. This year it only has one flower but it looks normal. I think the blooms from when I got it must have been induced by the grower because of the shear number of them and how strange they looked.

[Eyebabe]

Here is another thought....I LOVE these biological cerebral exercises!
Let's propose this is NOT a mutation which, if successive growths eventually produce NORMAL blooms would be true.
Then this would be a phenotypic expression manipulated by the environment i.e.. super-thrive hormones.
We are fully knowledgeable that based on the temperature of a greenhouse that blooms may exhibit different color despite being genetically identical.
Why then shouldn't varying other aspects of the environment also change phenotypic expression?
A TRUE mutation is final, Darwinian, that's it!
In fact, according to Darwin, it is an uncommon event.
Thus, I propose this may be a phenotypic expression resulting from an environmental change; and therefore, would anticipate a restoration of normal blooming with the removal of the causative agent.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the resources to study this in a lab?

[neb]

No need for a lab just don't apply hormones and it should be fine next time.

[Connie Star]

I think we should have you do an experiment for all of us. Stop the Superthrive and see what happens next time.

[ronaldhanko]

Connie the ever practical!!!!!

[orchids3]

Hi,
There is a well educated and experienced nurseryman somewhere who is probably chuckling right now. Wish they would chime in when this kind of thing comes up - but I talked to one about fertilizer induced crippling once. It seems too much Calcium Nitrate applied when flowers are forming will cause crippling. Had a Cattleya do something similar to me once when I applied calcium nitrate - the next year it was fine.