PONDER THIS

[Gary S]

My question - what was added to the flask/media to initiate the spikes in the 1st place. Looking at the flower in the flask, it seems to be deformed to me, but I have no info on that species at all. Overall, I would say the offspring would not develop naturally/normally as would one done with normal crossing - out of the flask.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Diane56Victor]

I've just read an article (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) called

Induction of early flowering in Cymbidium niveo-marginatum Mak in vitro.

The article says the use of

'combined cytokinin (6-benzylaminopurine) restricted nitrogen supply with phosphorus enrichment, and root excision (pruning) induced transition of the Cymbidium shoot from a vegetative to a reproductive stage.'

So for Gary, that is what the seedling was exposed to enabling early flowering.

I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of different chemical stimulants or depressants in orchids. However, it seems to me that introducing such stimulants in this case might also affect the developing seeds in a detrimental way.

[sabredance2]

Well done Diane, you have correctly identified the Korean science for this experiment. An aspect generally overlooked by Westerners is the role of hormones in orchid growth and flowering. Indeed Japanese growers have effectively manipulated their cymbidium crops for decades, in particular dwarfing plant foliage, whilst simultaneously improving flower size.
Whilst as Andy points out this experiment has limitations in terms of practical outcomes, the researchers nevertheless are to be applauded for adding to our plant cultural knowledge, specifically the phasing from vegetative growth to the reproductive stage of flowering.

[Gary S]

Well researched Diane, all I can say is I hope it remains an experiment. I do not see how it can become a commercial proposition, apart from the many problems that may be encountered along the way - what would the cost of a flask be. I see the experiment only shows 1 plant in the flask, so how the hell could it be done in a whisky bottle shaped flask with 40 seedlings?

[Diane56Victor]

Oh dear, I really got lost down the internet rabbit hole with further looking into 6-benzylaminopurine and other substances!

Quite the interesting subject, not only affecting plants, I saw references to human cancers too.


Edit for spelling, the benzylaminopurine has quite the collection of letters!

[MrCym]

The Forum has snapped back from being boring again!

[fureten]

How Japonese dwarf the foliage.
By pruning or giving very limited nitrogen

[fureten]

Is anybody tried to grow a plant in vitro.
I was thinking to place a single plant in 5 liter water bottle.
But l losted my flasked plants due to sterilisation.

[sabredance2]

How Japonese dwarf the foliage.

The use of hormone treatment - precise additive on top of potting mix.