W1.5 and the importance of banana

[calvin_orchidL]

So I recently reflasked some rangaeris amaniensis seedlings that had been sown in p668 (half strength, +20g/L sucrose).

I replated onto western W1.5 from the orchid seed bank project, which was the same media I used for my first flasking endeavor. However, the one difference is that I neglected to add the pureed banana. I don't know why I thought it would be OK not to add it - maybe I was lazy that day. Anyway, I think I may have screwed up, as it is now a few months post reflasking and I notice that root growth is quite stunted, despite robust leaf growth. There are several visible roots above the media that look like good roots, but most of the ones that are in the media are not growing very much.

This is in contrast to my last batch of seedlings (in the banana containing medium) which grew roots like NUTS.

Is this a result of a difference in genera (ie this is a vandaceous angraecoid species versus a cattleya relative) or did the banana make the difference? Should I reflask with new media containing banana?

Any ideas? Thanks!!!

[Andrew]

Have you tried contacting Kevin Western at Western Orchid Laboratories? It's his media so he should be able to set you straight on what is happening.