Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 09:39:52 -0800 (PST) From: Chris Teichreb <cjteichr@sfu.ca> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg236$foo@default> Subject: Re: can ozone affect seed germination?
Hi Chad,
> I wonder, can ozone affect seed germination?
> The fan inside my terrarium circulates the air very well.
> However, when I remove the terrarium lid I can smell ozone.
> I guess, the fan uses brushes. It uses 120VAC.
I've never heard of a fan producing ozone, although I guess it's
possible. Doesn't sound like that's your problem though.
>
> Once, I though I saw damp-off fungus attacking my Utric seeds.
> Now, I'm not sure if it is there or gone.
> The same fungus ruined most of my Sarracenia seeds.
> The attack on my Sarra seeds happened so fast it appeared to
> come from some flower debris that was with the seeds.
> I bought a systemic fungicide to use if damp-off appears, again
> in my Utric seeds and my new Sarra seeds.
> I sterilized my soil in a microwave, with some water.
>
> Maybe, my Utric seeds need some warm and real sunlight.
> I am using the tray method to water them and I am spraying them
> with 'clean' water about 1 or 2 times per day.
> I must admit, some days I forget to do that.
> The water level is usually less than 4cm below soil level.
Why they're not germinating depends a lot on what type of Utrics
you're trying to germinate (aquatic, terrestrial, epiphytic, etc.). It
sounds like the humidity and water levels are too high if you're getting
damping off that quickly. In my terrariums, water level is never more
than about 1-2 inches high, and the plants grow fine because the humidity
around them is high enough. I don't have problems with fungus either.
Warmth is definitely another consideration, but so is the type of Utric
seed (ie: is it a temperate or tropical variety). Finally, newly
germinated Utric is usually very small (except for some of the epiphytes),
so it may be that it's there, just not noticeable.
Happy growing,
Chris
**********************************
Chris Teichreb
Department of Biological Sciences
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C.
cjteichr@sfu.ca
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