Germination of G.uncinata, Utrics and GA - Take 2
/G=Loyd/S=Wix/OU=1890CHPI/O=TMGB.URC/@LANGATE.gb.sprint.com
Mon, 4 Mar 1996 07:44:00 -0500
From Loyd.Wix@URCGB.SPRINT.COM
I tried to send this message last week though for some
reason it did not get through - so here goes again:
Following some conversations with Fernando, he suggested I
post a few lines on some recent experience in germinating
Utricularia and Genlisea seed. Also this may add to the
Gibberellic acid discussion from a few weeks ago.
Just before Xmas I received a package from Fernandos friend
Fabio containing seed of several Brasilian Utrics and
Genlisea uncinata. Other priorities leading up to, and over
Xmas prevented me from sowing the seed before the new year,
and so were planted during the first week in January.
I have contemplated using Gibberellic acid to assist in the
germination of some trouble some Australian Utrics so
thought I would give it a try on these Brasilians. The
quantities of seed sent by Fabio was sufficient for me to
split it into two batches. One batch was soaked in GA
solution (0.1g in 90ml water) for 24 hours, the second batch
was untreated. All the seed was sown onto a compost 2 parts
moss peat to 1 part sharp sand. The pots were placed into a
fish tank heated to the mid 20s deg C, and equipped with
Triton tubes with a 12 hour photoperiod.
I noticed the first germination 10 days after planting - as
it happened the day after Fernandos talk at Reading
University. Germination had occured with the GA treated
U.flaccidia and U.blanchetii 'white flowered form'. The
untreated seed of these species germinated 2 weeks
later.
On the 17th Feb I noticed 3 seedlings of G.uncinata from the
batch treated with GA - a 4th seedling appeared on the 21st
and a 5th on the 28th. To date I have not noticed any
germination with the untreated seed. Fernando informs me
that this is the first report he has received of the
germination of this species.
I also have 1 seedling each of U.simulans, hispida and
tridentata - these have appeared from pots sown with both
treated and untreated seed.
The GA appeared to speed up the germination of U.flaccidia
and U.blanchetii, however the seedlings from the untreated
seed are now the stronger, healthier looking plants. Time
will tell if the untreated G.uncinata will germinate, and
also whether I will see any further germination
with the other Utric seeds. So I am yet to come to any
conclusions on the benefits of using GA in this case.
Overall I am pleased with the results of this Brasilian seed
- out of 8 Utricularia and 1 Genlisea I have so far not
managed to germinate 3 of the Utricularia.
I will post an update in due coarse, and I would be
interested to hear other peoples experience with these
species particulaly if anyone else has germinated
G.uncinata.
Regards
Loyd