I thought I would ask a few questions, after having eaves-dropped
on this group for the past month. Very interesting by the way and
informative!
I have grown CP's for about seven years now and this season will be
attempting cultivation of both Byblis species. My question is...Has
anyone attempted to hybridise between the two species B.gigantea and
B.liniflora? I have never heard of any hybrids...Does that mean it's
not possible?
On another note....What is the taxanomic classification of Drosera
auriculata, is it a separate species or a subspecies of D.peltata?
I keep reading articles stating it as a subspecies yet I see it on
seed lists as a separate species.
Finally, I have been reading up on tissue culture techniques for
various species, the slide show provided by Rick Walker being
invaluable, and have tried some on Nepenthes leaf cuttings. The
whole procedure being undertaken in aseptic conditions in a laminar
flow cabinet, but I got some wicked fungal cultures!! Notably a vivid
orange one and a particularly rampant grey beastie! This happened in
all ten cultures, surely not by chance. What I would like to know is,
if they are systemic fungi how can I get rid of them before culturing?
The explants were sterilised by washing in distilled water, dipping in
70% ethanol(2-3secs), 15mins in dilute Sodium hypochlorite solution
then rinsing with distilled water again. Any thoughts?
Cheers,
Brian Quinn
coro63@ihug.co.nz