Question
QUESTION: Hello Jim, I saw a post you put up a while back regarding a recipe for making media that would be used to start meristem cells.  I am hoping that someone may have given you some information that you could share.  Also, I am new to the in vitro propagation of orchids & hope you might be able to recommend a couple websites or books to read (hopefully affordable) that will help me learn about techniques for cloning (meristem, root tip, node, etc).  A little about me, I live in South Florida & primarily grow Vanda & Cattleya alliance orchids.  I am hoping to make my own Meristem clones of my favorite vandas & cattleyas.  Thank you for your time & any information hat you can share!

-Ray-


ANSWER: Hello Ray,

I do not have any recipe for propogating meristeming orchids, sorry.  But, I will say that it is not very hard to do if you have the right equipment and tools.  The biggest problem in propogating orchids is sanitation of the work area, it has to be ultra sterile to prevent bacteria, fungus, etc. from contaminating your work.  So, unless you will be able to provide a sterile work area, I'd suggest contacting a nursery or orchid lab that does have the proper facilities.  

Here are some web pages you might like to check, they are about sowing orchid seeds but can give you some insight into propogation techniques:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~barryg/Orchid_Flasking.htm
http://members.iinet.net.au/~barryg/Advanced_Orchid_Flasking.htm
http://members.iinet.net.au/~barryg/Deflasking_orchids.htm

By the way, it can take from 3 to 5 years from flask for a vanda to be in bloom and from 5 to 7+ years for cattleyas.  

Sorry I could not be of more help but if you still want to pursue your dream, write back and I'll send you some information.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the info Jim.  Ironically, I have already googled my little heart out & have been to those links, but thank you so much for taking the time to post them for me!  I recently joined a Yahoo group of home tissue culture enthusiasts, but unfortunately no one has responded to my questions, so here are some follow questions that I hope you may be able to give some feed back on.


#1.  What is the best tissue culture method for vandaceous & cattleya type orchids?

#2.  What part of the plant do you collect the tissue from?

#3.  Once collected, how do you get the cells to divide in the flask before replating into the mother flask?  

#4.  Do you know of any books that would have this information in it that could be found in a public or university library or is not over $150.00?  

#5.  With Cattleya type orchids, can you cut off the dormant eyes on the back bulbs & create tissue cultures form them?

Thank you again from you time & feedback!

-Ray-


Answer
Hi Ray,  

I am surprised that you have not gotten a response to your questions about flasking, etc. on the Yahoo site.  But be patient a little longer and hopefully you'll get some answers.  

#1. I do not know.

#2. From the little I know, usually from new growths.

#3. The tissue is chopped up into very tiny pieces before flasking.

#4. I'm sure there are some technical books available but don't know of them.  

#5. I believe that you can but not sure.  

Additionally, here are some more sites to check out (if you haven't already):  

http://members.cox.net/ahicks51/osp/

http://www.users.on.net/~gmcorbin/BOS/

http://www.orchidmall.com/supplies.htm

Sorry I cannot be of more help but hopefully you will find the information you're looking for at one of these sites or from the Yahoo group.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.