Mastering the Art of Tissue Culture: Proven Steps for Healthy and Vibrant Plants
| Procedure | Description | Technical Details and Examples | Numbers | Products for Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deflasking | Carefully remove plants from the tissue culture flask, ensuring minimal damage to roots. πΏ | - Sterilise equipment such as forceps and scissors. π§Ό - Rinse plants in a sterile solution (e.g., 70% ethanol) before transfer. πΏ | Sterilize equipment for 5 minutes β³. Rinse plants in a sterile solution for 1 minute β³. | N/A |
| Plug Selection | Choose appropriate plugs or small pots filled with a suitable growing medium for transplanting. πͺ΄ | - Select plug size based on the plant's root system and growth stage. Example: 50-cell plug trays for small seedlings. π | Use 50-cell plug trays for small seedlings π±. | N/A |
| Preparing Growing Medium | Ensure the growing medium is well-draining and sterile to prevent contamination. π₯ | - Use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite sterilized in an autoclave. π± - Maintain a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. π | Sterilize the growing medium at 121Β°C for 15 minutes π₯. Maintain a pH level of 5.8 π§ͺ. | N/A |
| Transplanting | Gently transfer tissue-cultured plants into plugs, ensuring proper placement and minimal stress. π± | - Handle plants with sterilized forceps. 𧀠- Ensure the plant's root collar is at the right depth in the plug. π± | Transplant with minimal root disturbance π±. Place the root collar 1 cm below the plug surface. π | N/A |
| Watering | Provide sufficient water to settle the plants in plugs, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. π§ | - Use a misting system or gentle watering. πΏ - Maintain moisture levels to avoid wilting. πΏ | Water the plugs until excess moisture drains from the bottom π§. Maintain moisture at 70-80% π§. | Rooting hormone for enhanced root development π±. Antifungal solution for root rot prevention π. |
| Humidity Control | Maintain a high humidity environment around the plugs to reduce transplant shock. π§οΈ | - Cover plugs with a clear plastic dome or use a misting system. βοΈ - Aim for 80-90% relative humidity. π‘οΈ | Maintain humidity at 85% for the first 7 days βοΈ. Use a clear plastic dome with venting π‘. | Humidity trays with water reservoirs π§. |
| Light Exposure | Gradually introduce tissue-cultured plants to light to prevent sunburn or damage. π | - Start with low-intensity light and increase gradually. π - Maintain a photoperiod suitable for the plant species. π | Begin with 100 lux of light intensity for 2 hours daily βοΈ. Maintain a 16-hour photoperiod π. | Grow lights for supplemental lighting π‘. |
| Temperature Control | Keep the temperature stable and within the appropriate range for the plant species. π‘οΈ | - Example: Maintain a temperature of 22-25Β°C for most tropical plant species. π΄ - Use heat mats for temperature control. π₯ | Maintain a constant temperature of 23Β°C π‘οΈ. Use heat mats to adjust temperature as needed π₯. | Heating mats for temperature regulation π₯. |
| Fertilization | Begin a light fertilization regimen to support plant growth and development. πΎ | - Start with a diluted, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20). π₯€ - Adjust the fertilizer ratio based on plant requirements. π± | Use a 1/4 strength balanced fertiliser π±. Adjust based on weekly nutrient analysis π§ͺ. | Liquid fertilizers for precise application π₯€. |
| Monitoring | Regularly check for signs of stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies and address them promptly. π | - Monitor plant growth, leaf color, and overall health. ποΈ - Conduct nutrient tests if needed. π§ͺ | Weekly visual assessments and monthly nutrient tests ποΈ. Address issues within 48 hours π°οΈ. | Pest control products π, pH meters π, and nutrient supplements πΏ. |
| Transplanting to Larger Containers | When the plants have grown sufficiently, move them to larger pots or garden beds for further growth. πͺ£ | - Example: Transplant young tomato seedlings to individual pots when they have 2-4 true leaves. π | Transplant to individual pots when plants reach a height of 10 cm with 2-4 true leaves πͺ£. | Potting mix π± and larger containers πͺ£. |
| Hardening Off | If transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimatize plants to outdoor conditions before planting. π¬οΈ | - Reduce humidity and exposure to direct sunlight over several days or weeks. π€οΈ - Protect plants from strong winds. πͺοΈ | Over 7 days, reduce humidity by 10% daily βοΈ. Gradually increase sunlight exposure π. Protect from winds above 20 km/h π¬οΈ. | Shade cloth βοΈ, windbreaks πΏ, and plant supports π±. |
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