doxneed2c-me Posted October 26, 2014 Can someone explain or share some literature explaining how to harvest and sterilize Orchid seeds or the best way to propagate them from pods? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obtuse Posted October 26, 2014 My understanding is that you shouldnt steralise orchid seeds. some orchids depend on extremely specific mycorrhizal fungi in order to germinate and/or establish, the sterilisation may remove or diminish the hormones present in the seed coat that signal the necessary mycorrhizal fungi. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
machineelf Posted October 26, 2014 If you are wanting to sterilise them I'm guessing you want to grow them in tissue culture gel. If so, what I have read is you can use a 1% bleach solution to sterilise the unopened pods, soaking it for 20mins, then crack open the pod (in a flow hood or glove box) and spread the seeds out onto the gel. Or 3% to 5% hydrogen peroxide with 20g per litre sugar overnight will also sterilise the pods. but first rinse the pods under tap water for 5 mins. The seeds should be sterile inside the pod if it hasn't been damaged. That's all I got. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Halcyon Daze Posted October 26, 2014 Call an orchid lab. They usually do the sterilising, all you've gotta do is harvest the pod at the right time. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darklight Posted October 27, 2014 Youse are all pretty much on the money If you don't have a TC lab, find one to do it for you, will prolly cost as much as setting up benchspace at your place Pick only unblemished pods. Make sure you leave the stem on or wherever the stem leaves the pod will be prone to fungal attacks Then sterilise and open in flow hood 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doxneed2c-me Posted November 3, 2014 Bah I am going to contact the Orchid society around here and give them the 4-5 pods I have. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darklight Posted November 3, 2014 That's a good fast and dirty solution if you aren't likely to be able to monitor and work with an experiment for a month or more If it's a really interesting orchid and you find someone to germinate it for you, ask for some progeny in exchange Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortly Posted November 3, 2014 Go to your local orchid club. There are usually a number of people with facilities for flasking seed & often times they are happy to show you first hand how its done. You will likely make new friends & will certainly learn more than you could imagine. Just my 2c worth 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites