Re: Japanese knotweed or Polygonum cuspidatum

In a message dated 3/20/03 10:14:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
mygarden@easystreet.com writes:


box)  And because I'm sick of taxonomy changing botanical names every other
year, I'm not changing the name of Persicaria again.  It doesn't matter
anyway, as  DNA is done on all the plants, we'll be getting some surprise
results and the names of everything will change again - once and for all.
(End of soap box).>>>>

Thanks for the soap box.  DNA is routine now and the cost has come down.  
When a hybridizer wants to sort out his work, DNA is valuable. It was 
challenged here some time ago but I have not seen any writing that places DNA 
in the questionable column.  The Dutch plant industry which is very valuable 
to their economy supports this work through their universities.  We have some 
tenant Dutch students explaining that full laboratory services are available 
to Dutch growers for all kinds of very sophisticated work. You don't need to 
be a large grower, any small business can have the services.  They also 
design and produce machines for small size holdings, all kinds of machines, 
any thing a grower would need.  You would not recognize some of the 
equipment, it is so specialized but is out in the gardens.    Our major 
botanics also now  DNA test and will do so for a fee if plant breeding is 
your work.  I guess I agree with all on taxonomic headaches.  There is one 
silver lining, as you age, you forget nearly everything you once kept in 
order in your head so need to check facts.  If they have changed you won't 
know it.

Claire Peplowski
NYS z4 snow stopped, now it is raining for two days, Ark building time in New 
York.

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