I was reading something lately about coffee to induce. Not as simple s it sounds. I don't recall the details, or where, but I think Chuck had something to say about it, and may yet have things to share here. Not to put him on the spot, really.
AMW
-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Kramb <dkramb@badbear.com>
To: iris-species <iris-species@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sat, Jan 4, 2014 1:03 pm
Subject: [iris-species] inducing tetraploidy
This topic has been discussed over the years, but I never paid much attention because I knew I was never going to mess with chemicals like colchicine at home. Lately I keep hearing of less dangerous methods, and I'm planting seeds now, so I thought I'd bring up the issue again.
How can I convert my iris seedlings to tetraploid? I dream of crossing things like tetraploid Iris tridentata with tetraploid Iris fulva. I played the waiting game and nobody created tetraploids for me :-) so I guess I better do it myself. Or find a lab that can do it for me? Or maybe SIGNA could sponsor some research students to do it in a proper lab? I dunno....
Google searching is a bit overwhelming. But there seems to be a buzz about less harmful chemicals such as Oryzalin. But I still get the heebie jeebies about using mutagenic chemicals in my home. :-/
I know a daylily breeder nearby... maybe I could hire him to convert some of my seeds. I also know a grad student at OSU... I'll bug him too.
Dennis in Cincinnati
