About to sow seeds - Orchid Board

Tindomul · #1 08-12-2010, 04:37 PM

Hi all.

Wish me luck, I am about to sow some seeds in a media I just made. Any last minute suggestions on how to sterilze the seed pod/capsule? Thanks.

marydaniellesantos · #2 08-12-2010, 04:56 PM

Good luck!

And as for sterilizing, just scrub it with bleach and a drop of dish soap. and scrub with a toothbrush. but I'm sure you knew that.

Tindomul · #3 08-12-2010, 05:06 PM

thanks!!! i'm going to odo that right now!

Tindomul · #4 08-12-2010, 05:52 PM

Ok did it. Unfortunately the first seed pod looked like it had no seeds. So I sowed only 4 flasks with that. I took it and looked under the compound microscope and found it didnt have seeds. Well maybe what I put in the flasks had a few seeds, crossing fingers. The second seed pod had seeds! Woo-hoo. So I dumped those seeds into 7 flasks, and when I looked under the microscope, it was confirmed. Seeds galore. However, they looked rather transparent. As I recall they should look dark inside. So there is a very good possibility that the seeds were not viable!!!
But all is not lost. At least I get to see if my sterile technique was good or not.
Info on the seeds:
Phalaenopsis lobbii x self. I don't see why it wouldn't take if its a selfing, and the seed pod matured. Everything looks good until I put it under the microscope. Rather disappointing really. Anyways.

SpeciesNut · #5 08-12-2010, 05:56 PM

marydaniellesantos · #6 08-12-2010, 06:11 PM

Hmm, what did the pod look like when you harvested it? I'm sure at least a couple will germinate. I would think if the pod actually formed, it would be viable. Who knows? Lol. Keep us posted!

Duane McDowell · #7 08-12-2010, 08:12 PM

Don't fret. You'll often get germination from seed that looks weird, and sometimes nothing from seed that looks good. You have the right attitude, though - practice your sterile technique!

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #8 08-12-2010, 11:36 PM

Sometimes pods will just not produce seeds. Sometimes they produce seeds and the seeds aren't viable. Other times, the pods will have seeds and only a few are viable. Yet other times, the pods will have seeds and most are viable.

As was stated, sometimes, even if the seeds are viable, they will not germinate.

Another note...

Just because the embryos swell up, doesn't mean they'll germinate.

Luck of the draw. That's why the more the better.

I'm sure at least one or two of those flasks will do something.

Tindomul · #9 08-13-2010, 12:23 AM

Thanks all! The first pod was turning brown, which is why I decided to sow now. And the second pod was still green but just as old as the other. I hope at least one flask does something. hehe.

Tindomul · #10 09-16-2010, 11:40 PM

IT WORKED!!! Muahahaha It WOOOOOOORRRRKKEED!!!! I have green seeds!!!!
Only one of my 11 flasks became contaminated. And so far only the seeds from pod #2 which I thought was better is the one that has green seeds. I hope in a month or so I can take a pic of some baby plants, hehe!!!