Re: Spore sieve(s) / spore refrigerator / digital pH meter.

I have 3 very useful tools for preparing spores: A two inch diameter sieve made with stainless steel wire cloth (McMaster-Carr 85385T879), a stainless steel brush (Beautech SH-61) with the bristles spread into a 1/2 inch fan, and a 1/2 by 3 inch tapered artist's spatula ( similar to http://www.aswexpress.com/art-supply/catalogs/0061787000000 ). The thin spatula also works well for transplanting gametophytes, repotting from plug trays, etc.
Since the sieve is all metal, it can be sterilized between uses with a heat gun. The only problem I've found is a small percentage (probably <1%) of ferns can't be processed with it because the spores are too large. The last time that happened I took a picture, see http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v353/fernpics/Asian_ferns/?action=view&current=32_3_2005apr.jpg .
I too keep all spores in our kitchen refrigerator, some staying viable for more than 15 years.
Please post any links to an affordable pH meter, something I've always wanted -- the really cheap moisture-meter-type ones don't seem to work. I wish Apogee Instruments made a pH sensor, I've been very happy with their SQ-110 quantum light meter.
OK, that's enough product endorsements for one email. I'm just a satisfied customer (requisite disclaimer). 

Brian
----- Original Message ----- From: "Darren Lloyd" <Darren@ferntastic.com> 
To: <ferns@hort.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 7:43 PM
Subject: [ferns] Spore sieve(s) / spore refrigerator / digital pH meter.



Hello,



I have a few fern related question please:



1) I'm planning to purchase a sieve/sieves for processing my spore. Does
anyone have any recommendations as to the mesh size(s) best suited for the
task?



2) I'm also thinking of purchasing a small spore refrigerator. Does anyone
have any recommendations in this regard?



3) I'm also looking for an inexpensive digital pH meter with a soil probe,
but haven't managed to find one yet.



Thanks in advance!



Darren

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