Gibberellic acid (GA-3)

[Martijn]

Dear friends,

I just recieved some GA-3 to try it on the ´hard to germinate´ seeds like Lewisia kellogii. The instructions are clear and with a single packet I can make a big bottle of solution.

My question is: what is the tenability of the solution? Can I use the same solution after a few weeks or months? Has anybody of you tried this?

Regards, Martijn
 

[Diane Clement]

Dear friends,

I just recieved some GA-3 to try it on the ´hard to germinate´ seeds like Lewisia kellogii. The instructions are clear and with a single packet I can make a big bottle of solution.

My question is: what is the tenability of the solution? Can I use the same solution after a few weeks or months? Has anybody of you tried this?

Regards, Martijn
 

Hi Martijn
I have experimented with GA3 several times and recently been trying some rosulate violas (reputed to be essential gibberellic germinators - certainly I have had success in the past with germinating these in this way).  As I had some solution made up, I thought I would do some experiments on seeds I have struggled to get good germination with in the past (colchicums, onco iris).
I bought my GA3 a few years ago from Hudsons of California.  They give good advice, including that the solution was still viable after 4 years at room temperature.  I've used the solution method, not the Deno-one-grain-on-a-toothpick method which seemed a bit hit and miss.  That said, I am fascinated by Deno's experiments in general, and often try his methods.

Take a look at Hudson's site for good information.  I'd be interested to here your results, and I will post mine if I get any!!
 http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/GibberellicAcid.htm

Diane

[annew]

Deno-one-grain-on-a-toothpick??

[Diane Clement]

Deno-one-grain-on-a-toothpick??

Sorry, that does sound bizarre, it's from the Hudson website link.

If you buy GA3 from Hudsons, it comes in a packet that will give 1000ppm (the stock solution) that can then be diluted down to 500ppm.  I found that easiest, although it takes a day to dissolve.   

Norman Deno has a rule of thumb to get this concentration by using dry powder:
"This amount of GA-3 is about the amount that can be balanced on the 1/2mm tip of a toothpick using a type of toothpick that is pointed at both ends " this is diluted with 6 drops of water.

Diane 

[Martijn]

Hi everybody,

Thank you all for the advice. And what a great story about the Hegemone!

I wish I hadn´t sown all the seeds in December. Luckily I am waiting for some seeds from Alpains to try it on!
I will post the results in spring!

Regards, Martijn