Re: HYB: Embryo culture
I did a little embryo culture in the '70's while working in a veterinary
research lab. Having access to sterile glass wear and other lab equipment was a
great aid. I don't recall using a sterile hood, although one was available. I
used the medium Randolph published and although I had to substitute for one
chemical, growth was good. The biggest problem was freeing the embryo from
the endosperm. As I recall a razor blade was the best tool. Tweezers were used
to hold the seed while the endosperm was shave off a bit at a time until the
embryo was exposed. A needle was used to lift the embryo and transfer it to
the medium which as in test tubes. I do remember that the embryo could be
somewhat damaged by the process and still grow. I remember slicing a number of
embryos laterally and culturing both halves. Both grew fine. My conclusion was
that the process was entirely too much work for conventional TB seeds.
In the iris world arils and aril-breds can be embryo cultured to avoid the
dormancy factor. Johnny Rich did all of her seedlings as well as Ben Hager's
arils. All done in her kitchen.
Fred Kerr
Rainbow Acres
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE IRIS
Other Mailing lists |
Author Index |
Date Index |
Subject Index |
Thread Index
