Re: Iris cloning
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Iris cloning
- From: S* M* <7*@CompuServe.COM>
- Date: Fri, 7 Mar 1997 12:41:01 -0700 (MST)
Sharon Ruck asked:
: Can irises be cloned?
The simple answer is that they do this naturally. Each "increase" is
genetically identical to the mother rhizome, so that the MME. CHEREAU in each of
our gardens is part of the same plant that originated in France over 150 years
ago.
Can they be forced to produce more "clones"? That's the popular usage.
Technically speaking -- each rhizome that came from that original seed, no
matter how many years and how many moves back, is said to belong to the same
clone. But the practical answer is -- yes. Optmum fertilizer and water,
coupled with timely division, will increase production markedly.
Oh. You meant something more artificial? Mother rhizomes, which are usually
thrown away, will often produce increases if planted in sand. Not always, but
often enough that I do this with my most valued ones whenever I have enough
space. When Gene Hunt sent his MARY OF MAGDALA to guest, I followed protocol
and returned ALL increase. The mother rhizome showed no sign of further
increase, but I planted it anyway. And was rewarded with BLOOM some six months
later.
Ah! You REALLY meant in test tubes! Yes. It's been done. But it's not
economically feasible for large-scale use. A few years ago, there was a
proposal to clone some of the rare species, but I don't know whether anything
came of it.
Sharon McAllister (73372.1745@compuserve.com)
who can sometimes get away with teasing the other Sharon a bit because of the
NMSU/PSL connection
