From: GEORGE A SNELLENBERGER  <GEOTAN1@p...>
Date: Sat Oct 17, 1998 9:32am
Subject: Re: Phalaenopsis orchids


Hi Keith,

I've been doing stem props for a while now and this is what works for
me. Use the multipication media from Phytotech, it appears to be same 
a Sigma which is what I use. It's basically a half strengh MS with BA 
and NAA I believe. Cut nodes with 1 to 2 cm. of stem above and below, 
remove bract covering node carefully under sterile conditions. Place 
in 5% bleach solution for 10 minutes, 5 usually works. I spray whole 
stem beforehand with Physan or RD-20 and spray a little in bleach 
solution to decrease surface tensions, helps bleach get at what ever 
is there. After removing from bleach dip in sterile water and make 
fresh end cuts and make either top or bottom of stem longer so you 
can tell which end is up. Before placing in multi-media almost up to 
node you can remove top 1/3 of node(usually about 1 to 2 mm. in length), 
this will cause node to put out up to a about dozen shoots instead of 
1, or even start callous. Black discoloration from phenolics will soon 
spread into media , when this area gets bigger than a dime move to 
stem to clear spot in flask, about every 2 to 4 weeks seems to be ok. 
When shoots and leaves get 1 to 2 inches long place in maintanence
media. Sigma has one without charcoal that makes it easier to monitor
phenolics but not really nescessary. Roots won't form til a month or 
two in new media without auxins or cytokinens.
I've started using cocoanut milk of various stages since there are
plenty within walking distance and believe that 10 to 30 percent in
maintanence media will work for multiple shoot production. This isn't
something that needs to be to precise, I also think if you used mud 
from back yard with a minor ph correction it would work fine to produce 
single shoots and mud with 20% coconut milk adjusted to ph 5-6 would 
produce multiple shoots. Creativity has many forms :) Any questions 
just give me a holler.

        -George-

George Snellenberger
GEOTAN1@p...
My Homepage     http://pages.prodigy.net/geotan1/index.html