For growing up to 60 plants, 11 cm diameter pots are suitable.
26 Â 53 cm rectangular flats should be used if as many as
200–600 plants are grown to maturity.
15. For other Brassicaceae larger than Arabidopsis (20–40 cm in
height): 13 Â 13 Â 15 cm pots can be used. Only one plant per
pot is recommended due to the larger size.
16. A slow release fertilizer (e.g., Osmocote
® 14-14-14) will continue feeding plants up to 3–4 months from planting. Apply in
amounts recommended according to the label. Reapplication
will be necessary if the plant’s life cycle is longer than
3–4 months to flower. Alternatively, a nutrient solution can
be used to wet the soil [25].
17. Always use clean growth supplies. If feasible, new pots and trays
should be used for each growth cycle to avoid pest
contamination.
18. Prepared pots can be stored in covered trays at 4
C for several
days before planting, although pot preparation and planting
should be conducted on the same day if possible.
19. The density of Arabidopsis plants varies with genetic circumstances and purpose of the planting. High yields are achieved
with 10–20 plants per 11 cm diameter pot. Generally, low
densities increase the yield and are suitable for pure lines.
High densities reduce the yield, but are useful when it is
necessary to maintain the genetic representation in segregating
populations. To plant many seeds in a pot, scatter them carefully from a folded piece of 70 mm filter or other paper;
distribute them evenly onto the surface of the soil. To plant
individual seeds, adhere one seed to the tip of a pipette using
suction, then release onto the soil. Planted seeds should not be
covered with additional soil. Seeds of Arabidopsis and Brassica
require light for germination.
20. When sowing M. maritima, M. perfoliatum, and E. vesicaria:
Make a small hole about 0.5–1.0 cm deep in the soil. Place one
seed in the hole and cover with soil. This technique should be
used for any species that does not require light to germinate.
21. The plastic wrap should not be allowed to contact the soil
surface and should be perforated to provide aeration. If clear
plastic domes are used, they should not be tightly sealed.
22. Most Arabidopsis, like other Brassicaceae species, have moderate dormancy and a cold treatment (stratification) can be
implemented to break the dormancy. Stratification may not
be required for germination when planting older seeds of
these lines. However, a cold treatment at 4
C for 3 days will
improve the rate and synchrony of germination. The use of an
extended cold treatment of approximately 7 days is especially
18
Christopher Calhoun et al.
26 Â 53 cm rectangular flats should be used if as many as
200–600 plants are grown to maturity.
15. For other Brassicaceae larger than Arabidopsis (20–40 cm in
height): 13 Â 13 Â 15 cm pots can be used. Only one plant per
pot is recommended due to the larger size.
16. A slow release fertilizer (e.g., Osmocote
® 14-14-14) will continue feeding plants up to 3–4 months from planting. Apply in
amounts recommended according to the label. Reapplication
will be necessary if the plant’s life cycle is longer than
3–4 months to flower. Alternatively, a nutrient solution can
be used to wet the soil [25].
17. Always use clean growth supplies. If feasible, new pots and trays
should be used for each growth cycle to avoid pest
contamination.
18. Prepared pots can be stored in covered trays at 4
C for several
days before planting, although pot preparation and planting
should be conducted on the same day if possible.
19. The density of Arabidopsis plants varies with genetic circumstances and purpose of the planting. High yields are achieved
with 10–20 plants per 11 cm diameter pot. Generally, low
densities increase the yield and are suitable for pure lines.
High densities reduce the yield, but are useful when it is
necessary to maintain the genetic representation in segregating
populations. To plant many seeds in a pot, scatter them carefully from a folded piece of 70 mm filter or other paper;
distribute them evenly onto the surface of the soil. To plant
individual seeds, adhere one seed to the tip of a pipette using
suction, then release onto the soil. Planted seeds should not be
covered with additional soil. Seeds of Arabidopsis and Brassica
require light for germination.
20. When sowing M. maritima, M. perfoliatum, and E. vesicaria:
Make a small hole about 0.5–1.0 cm deep in the soil. Place one
seed in the hole and cover with soil. This technique should be
used for any species that does not require light to germinate.
21. The plastic wrap should not be allowed to contact the soil
surface and should be perforated to provide aeration. If clear
plastic domes are used, they should not be tightly sealed.
22. Most Arabidopsis, like other Brassicaceae species, have moderate dormancy and a cold treatment (stratification) can be
implemented to break the dormancy. Stratification may not
be required for germination when planting older seeds of
these lines. However, a cold treatment at 4
C for 3 days will
improve the rate and synchrony of germination. The use of an
extended cold treatment of approximately 7 days is especially
18
Christopher Calhoun et al.