Re: Cloning
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Cloning
- From: H*@aol.com
- Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 21:03:05 -0700 (MST)
Greetings:
Speaking of cloning irises, John Coble wrote:
<< Siberian iris have been tissue cultured by Klehms. They needed enough
stock
to support color photos in their catalog. They used the flower stalk. Cut
thin waiffers at the nodes....agar solutions, etc.....1000 plants in one
year. >>
Which, along with Sharon's story about sand and mother rhizomes, reminds me
of an illustration in Sydney B. Mitchell's classic book, IRIS FOR EVERY
GARDEN, which has intrigued me for some time. In my edition (1950) this is on
page 67 and concerns propagation of Louisiana irises. Simply stated, there
is a drawing of a length of stem with two nodes submerged horizontally in
sand and roots are extending down from the nodes as leaves reach up from
them. The caption reads: "starting new plants from section of flower stalk
planted in sand."
Now, this is the only place I have seen anything like this suggested. What I
would very much appreciate knowing is this: Has anyone actually tried this
procedure? Must one use the flower stalk before blooming, or will the spent
stalk work? What quality of growth resulted compared with normal vegetative
increase? Should this work on any other species except (rampant)
Louisianas? Per John's story Siberians sound possible. What might the
determining factors be, except presence of stem nodes? Anyone have any
thoughts?
Anner Whitehead, Richmond, VA (speaking)
Henry Hall henryanner@aol.com
