Orchid Seed
The orchid seed, which is sterile within the capsule, quickly becomes contaminated by microscopic fungus spores immediately it is exposed to the air. Inside the flasks the fungus spores will grow with alarming speed, destroying the seed within hours. Therefore the seed needs to be sterilised before being introduced to the sterile flasks. With the sowing kits, which can be purchased from firms that specialise in orchid sundries, comes the appropriate chemical. This is designed to kill the fungus spores but leave the seed unharmed. The sterilising chemical is prepared in a flask, the seed straight from the capsule added and shaken thoroughly for ten minutes. Then comes the most difficult part of the operation which is to introduce the sterilised seed to the surface of the jelly without incurring contamination. Some loss can be introduced at this stage. _Where expensive sterilising equipment is lacking, equal success can be achieved by working at the cooker over a bowl of boiling water which is creating a sterile arca. Thoroughly wash your hands and all equipment before starting, then remove the seed from the sterilant with a thin wire loop purchased with the sowing kit. By this means, a minimum amount of scerilan t and a maximum amount of seed is transferred at a time. After uncorking the flask in the sterile arca, carefully spread the seed on the surface of the jelly. You can easily over-sow, and this can be disastrous when the young seedlings grow, so a thin layer is essential. While keeping the flask in the sterile area, re-stopper as tightly as possible before repeating with the next flask. Place flasks in a well shaded area.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)