Re: HYB: removing germination inhibitors - part 1

Linda,

Caution against any mustard  compounds.  When I worked in a Chemical
pilot plant 10 years ago, I filtered a large quantity of benzyl mustard
into an open filter and went out later for a cigarette soon after.  As I
lit up, I noticed my face in the reflection of the window had what
looked like a bad Poison Ivy like rash, it ended up all over my chest
and arms as well.  It was pretty scary !  Everything healed though.  

I'd be interested in the Sulfuric acid data if you can find it.  It's
safe to work with if you treat it with respect and wear the required
safety protection.

Chris
Vacation now over after almost 3 weeks of rain ;-(

Linda Mann wrote:
> 
> The things I learn from/because of this list...
> 
> Vallette's book, Iris Culture and Hybridizing for Everyone, has several
> pages (154-156) describing various things reported to speed up
> germination.  I'll post a little at a time -
> 
> Treatment with BAL (British Anti Lewisite) is the only thing she
> describes as resulting in immediate germination.  Only catch is that the
> seed has to be 'decapped' first.
> 
> Soak decapped seed in 1% BAL solution for 24 hrs.  It smells bad.
> 
> BAL is 2,3-dimercaptopropanol, also known as Dimercaprol.  Lewisite is a
> form of mustard agent used in WWI.
> 
> Lots of stuff on the web about various salts of BAL used as a chelating
> agent in cases of metal poisoning.  I only found two references to seed
> germination.  I didn't see anything in my quick surf about other
> products that might be out there to use to enhance germination that are
> more 'modern' than BAL.  Surely there is something that would work the
> same way that's been discovered since World War I.
> 
> She has some info on Clorox and sulfuric acid also - will post later.
> --
> Linda Mann east Tennessee USA zone 7/8
> East Tennessee Iris Society <http://www.korrnet.org/etis>
> American Iris Society web site <http://www.irises.org>
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