Propagation of Gentians botany

Hello All,

I am looking for any advice that you might have to offer on the propagation of two gentians: Gentianopsis crinita and Gentiana andrewsii. There are few published articles that I could find on the exact methods of stratification and germination. I know that gentians can be challenging and often have low germ rates (>50%). Using a mixture of research articles and anecdotal information from blogs/websites I have compiled the following plan for propagation. I was hoping that you might help to confirm or deny the likelihood of decent germination rates using the protocol. This work is being done for an independent study on rare plant conservation and is intended to produce plugs of these species which are becoming increasingly rare in our region for a spring reintroduction into several fen wetlands.

Propagation "Protocols" 1. Surface Sterilization (Is this necessary or worth it?): Bleach diluted to 5% sodium hypochlorite with a few drops of Tween 20, seeds rinsed in solution using a shaker for 5-10 mins and then rinsed 3x in ddH2O for 5-10mins each. Then straight into next step. 2. Stratification: Presoak seeds in ddH2O for 6 hours. Remove seeds and keep moist on damp paper towels (should these be treated with a fungicide?) in a plastic bag. Leave at room temperature for 1-2 days. Place the bag in a controlled refrigerator/freezer at 50F for one week and then decrease to 35-40F for 2 months. Raise back to 50F for one week and then room temperature for one day prior to the germination process. 3. Germination: In vitro Murashuge Skoog supplemented with GA3 or directly on soilless medium (which would be better)? If using the MS medium, transplant to undetermined soilless growing mix once sprouted. 4. Hardening off: Not sure what the protocols will be yet. Goal will be transplant plugs in the Spring into several fen wetlands.

Any advice is much appreciated!

Submitted December 30, 2017 at 02:59AM by thatsranunculus http://ift.tt/2Ef3ms8 botany

I know absolutely nothing about growing plants. Venus fly trap seeds I got from China miraculously started to grow.. what should I do? botany

I didn't expect these things to grow but they actually did.. I got like 60-75 or so seeds for like 30 cents, not really expecting anything so I am looking for some advice on what do to next. I see alot of conflicting information on the internet.

I got these seeds months ago and left them in the refrigerator to wait til summer. I only know the very basics from quick googling. A few days ago I submerged them all in water to rehydrate them for a day or two, as I read online. 3 or so days ago I scattered all of them in a small Tupperware full of soil I got from other flower pots. I left it inside where sunlight will not hit it, as I read sunlight will damage them as they are small.

Here are some images, do note I only noticed them actually growing today. Planted them just a few days ago.

What do you guys recommend I do? I would love to see them grow into bigger plants, I think these things are so cool. Will they come back next year also or do I need to collect some of the seeds it makes? If so, where do I get the seeds?

Another question I have is what is the correct way to water them, or how often should I do it? Once everyday I have been just taking some water, putting it in the cap and putting my hand in it in a way that makes it form droplets.. its very inefficient but I am worried I will wash away the plants if I don't do this.

Submitted June 03, 2016 at 02:47AM by ItsBOOM http://ift.tt/1Uk5BKg botany

Looking for Volunteer Botanist for Plant Collection and Propagation through the Galapagos National Park botany

Hello! I work for a local volunteer recruitment agency on San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador. Because of budget constraints, the Galapagos National Park office for this island has appointed us as their sole direct recruiting agency.

They currently really need an individual with great horticulture and plant propagation experience to help re-invigorate their shade-house operations for their native plant initiative. The native plant initiative strives to repopulate the park with given species where most needed and to give native plants to the public to discourage planting invasive species for gardening and farming. There is a special focus to plants endemic specifically to this island.

The applicant will need substantial experience in the propagation of a variety of woody and herbaceous plants, experience with shade-house/green-house operations, identifying skills for seed, cutting, and sapling collection, and need to be self-motivated and creative to work within a very limited budget.

In exchange the Park does provide free housing on site. The housing provided is rustic, but does have electricity, running water, an indoor bathroom, a outdoor clothes washing station, local phone access, and a kitchen complete with refrigerator and stove. Sorry, no internet or cell phone coverage. The site is remote in a rural area (the closest town is a 25 minute walk away and doesn't even have a grocery store), but food can be purchased from farmers and tourists pass by very frequently on their way to the Galapagos Tortoise center across the street and the nearby astounding beach

This is an incredible opportunity to make a big impact on these very special islands. If you are interested you can apply here and I will get back to you with more information. Good luck!

Submitted February 26, 2016 at 12:22AM by Coast2CoastGalapagos http://ift.tt/1QIcHwB botany

Indoor carnivorous plant dormancy, a possible solution? botany

I have a venus flytrap that is beginning to go into dormancy. Normally, here in Oklahoma, I could probably put the plant outside (while bringing the plant in for hard freezes) and the cooler temperatures and shorter photo-period would keep the plant in dormancy until spring, but winter this year seems like it's going to be either too warm or too cold for the flytrap to overwinter outside.

I've heard of people putting their plants into the garage to overwinter, which might work on the colder days because the garage will be about the right temperature, but knowing Oklahoma weather... I don't trust the temperature to play nice this year.

I have also heard that people can put their flytraps into the refrigerator, but that this was a last resort. The plants need a bit of light and water even during dormancy... So I was thinking...

What if I were to take a mini-fridge with a glass door and overwinter the flytraps in there? The particular fridge linked to doesn't get below ~44 degrees apparently, and I can either shine an artificial light through the door or I can put the fridge in a spot where it gets actual sunlight... Wouldn't this satisfy the dormancy needs of a venus flytrap?

Has anyone ever tried this or done something similar?

Submitted November 10, 2014 at 10:46PM by Cjones1560 http://ift.tt/144U0MR botany