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Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Thanks go out to Rickie Lingle. He sent me a whole bag full of real AG seeds to experiment with.

Like last time, the seeds were filed & have been soaked in PGR IV. But this time they were heated to 90*F & held in the solution for 8 hours.

Planted into the same soilless mix this morning at 9AM.

Milled Sphagnum, Perlite, & Vermiculite in equal parts.

This medium is being held at 92*F & is just barely moist.

Let's see how these guys do.

Steve

3/22/2003 8:07:22 PM

Montoursville, PA

Soak mix????Fish, kelp, BioBoost or equal and fungicide???

3/22/2003 10:07:09 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Hi Dwaine,

Soaked in a 20% solution of Microflo Company's PGR IV which is a plant hormone & micronutrient solution. No fungicide needed with muy "super secret soiless mix" LOL..

My last experiments with this material were peformed at 25% & 33%, but I used CT Field Pumpkins. I just couldn't "play" with the real AG's I have since they all seem to hold good potential & I didn't want to waste them. All performed very well. (see the preceding post for details)

This time I have a wholw bag of "non pedigree" AG seeds that Rick sent me to experiment with. Thanks again Rick.

The pots were both very dry when I checked them this AM so they were thoroughly soaked.

We'll see if the AG's perform as well as the CT Fields.

Steve

3/23/2003 8:40:25 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

These seeds rotted. Not sure the causal pathogen but probably pythium (damping off). New trials underway.

3/30/2003 7:55:35 AM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

Maybe too hot?

3/30/2003 2:31:57 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Well don't I feel like a jerk.
After 7 days of no emergence, I removed a seed from one of the pots (3-29). When I saw fungal hyphae all over the seed, I assumed the worst. Today I decided to toss the contents to reuse these pots in another experiment (after heat & chemical sterilization of course).
What a surprise I had when I discovered young drought stressed AG babies.

They've been watered & replaced in their pots. Maybe they'll live.

It's a good thing these old experimental seeds aren't the ones chosen for the patch!

Advanced seed atarting method experiments with & without peroxide & PGR IV all going on now too.

4/1/2003 7:36:10 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Forgot to mention something.

To date, none of these tests have employed the use of conventional fungicides. But being rather conservative, I'll use Captan as a seed treatment when it's time for the "real deal".
I know that Apron/Subdue is better. But I don't have any right now & don't feel like forking over $600/gal for a few seeds. So far I have less than that invested in the new greenhouse!

Steve

4/1/2003 7:40:52 AM