Re: CULT: splitting rhizomes
- Subject: Re: [iris-talk] CULT: splitting rhizomes
- From: o*@aol.com
- Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 10:56:44 EDT
For what it's worth in this experiment here is my two cents. All information
is antidotal and not remotely scientifically conducted or controlled. In
1985, I sectioned 4 rhizomes of a pink iris (maybe Beverly Sills not sure) in
approximately 1/2 inch long sections perpendicular to the axis of the
rhizomes. Planted them directly into the ground. At the time of sectioning,
none had any indication of axillary buds (toes) forming or any discernible
green coloration where they would ordinarily be formed. I just cut random 1/2
inch sections with a kitchen knife. Pretty much all lived (did not count the
number planted or the number that survived) and formed a large impressive
clump around the base of a small tree. It was three years before the first
bloom appeared.
Much later, about 1994, I purchased a prepackaged collection box of from a
retailer (Wal Mart) that contained Japanese iris, and several other companion
plants. Just one of those small boxes with pretty picture designed for
effective marketing. The Japanese iris in the package were rhizome slices cut
perpendicular to the rhizome, no discernible green was present. But, each
slice, about 1/16" thick, had hair like root filiments growing from it.
Hummm? Grabbed the shovel, dug some TBI rhizomes. Went to neighbors, dug some
JI rhizomes. Got mandolin from kitchen, sliced rhizomes about 1/8" thick.
Planted in seed starter trays filled with sterile potting medium. All died
without producing any root filaments or growth.
Based on the above, I concluded, perhaps erroneously, that to effectively
grow sections of TI rhizomes, each section must contain an axillary bud,
unless one wishes to enter the tissue culture arena, collect meristem tissue
from the axillary buds, and culture in vitro.
As for the JI, I concluded thou shalt not steal from your neighbors or the
flowers will die.
Bill Burleson
Old South Iris Society
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