Seed Germination - Modified Deno Method - D. McAlpin

[George R Stilwell, Jr.]

I have a truly weird way of propagating seeds, and I'm glad to tell
anybody who evinces the least interest.  But first, let me say that no
special treatments are necessary for Arisaema sikokianum--no
scarification, stratification, light or dark is called for.  At 55-60
degrees, they are said to germinate over 1-6 months.  I don't know if
this holds across the board for other Arisaema species.

Now, here is what I do:  Fold a Bounty paper towel into four layers and
cut into squares about 2" x 2".  Dampen towel (press out excess water),
and place it in a clear plastic dish (I use plastic petri dishes saved
from the old days when I worked in a laboratory).  Sprinkle seeds on the
damp paper.  Place cover on dish; and, to conserve moisture, enclose
dish
in a plastic bag closed with a twist tie (can stack about 10 dishes in
bag
since light is not required; if light necessary, I put the dishes in a
single layer on a square of cardboard within a zip lock bag). Wait.

Once the radicle emerges (the little root), 'plant' the seed in agar
(Agar
is a seaweed product much like Jello; again this is something I used in
my
lab days.  Agar is contained within little wells in a lab dish called a
96-well microtiter plate; these come with wells of different sizes--and
hence different numbers of wells per plate--useful for seeds of
different
sizes).  Wait.

Once cotyledons emerge, scoop the agar plug containing the little
plantlet out of the well and plant in a six-pack.  Sprinkle milled
sphagnum moss on surface of soil to deter damping off.

I know, I know!  Lots of trouble.  But it is very space- and
materials-saving.  No six packs with seeds that failed to germinate
scattered all over.  It is possible to stratify many, many seeds by
folding the damp paper over the seeds, wrapping in Saran and stacking in
the refrigerator: 10 or 20 species take no more space than a good hunk
of
cheese.  Things certainly seem to germinate faster--my Arisaemas are all
up within two months, despite the indications that they will germinate
erratically over a six-month period.  And last, but certainly not least,
I get to watch the whole thrilling process--right from the time the seed
coat opens a little bit to show the first sign of the radicle.

Sorry you asked?

Duncan
http://www.eskimo.com/~mcalpin/