RE: diploid hybridizing
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: RE: diploid hybridizing
- From: J* M* <m*@bcgrizzly.com>
- Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 09:58:02 -0600 (MDT)
At 07:19 AM 8/26/97 -0600, Maureen wrote:
>I have not had any experience yet on this but I have a batch of
>colchicine standing by for when I want to experiment. The stuff is
>highly toxic so I am wary of experimenting.
>==================================================
Colchicine is indeed highly toxic. There is a safer alternative available
which is also more effective. That is Oryzalin (the active ingredient in
the herbicide Surflan). I believe all lily hybridizers have changed to
Oryzalin now.
I posted a reprint on it's use and it is in the archives for 17 MAR 97
under the topic "Colchicine - an alternative"
>Currier McEwen who pioneered tetraploid Siberians now has Parkinson's
>disease from his extensive use of colchicine. I want to emphasize that
>this is a high risk procedure and that anyone who is considering this
>should take all safety precautions.
>
>Maureen Mark
=======================================================
This may be the case but at this time I am quite certain that it is
conjectural. Parkinsons is a mysterious syndrome which normally can not be
attributed to any particular causal condition. Dr. McEwen was certainly
aware that he was working with a dangerous substance and I am sure would
have taken precautions to avoid injury. I think we should just accept that
colchicine is dangerous and not go beyond that point.
John Montgomery
monashee@bcgrizzly.com
Vernon BC
