 Instructional
procedures:
Cuttings:
There will be a plastic shoe box filled with soilless potting mix for
each garden group. Each student will make a hole in the soil with
a pencil, insert his cutting, then label it. .
The time lapsed from when cutting is made until the cutting is inserted
should not exceed a minute or two. If the cut stem is exposed to
the air for longer periods, an embolism (air bubble) may form in the stem
preventing the plant from taking up more water or nutrient.
When the sprout has developed at least one set of leaves in addition
to the cotyledon pair (not true leaves) and the tip of the plant is beginning
to open to display the second set of leaves, it is time to take the
first cutting from the tuber.
Before taking a cutting, have the students thoroughly wash their hands
to help prevent contamination of the cut stem. Cut the sprout about 1/16
th of an inch above where it is attached to the tuber.
Remove the two cotyledon leaves (first, not true leaves). Gently dip
the stem in water to clean any loose material Leave the tuber in
the pot. It will usually put out another sprout and the whole thing
will be planted in the gardens.
The time lapsed from when you first take the cutting until you place
it in the root stimulant solution should not exceed a minute or two. If
the cut stem is exposed to the air for longer periods, an embolism (air
bubble) may form in the stem preventing the plant from taking up more water
or nutrient.
Use something the size of a pencil to "drill" a hole in the planting
medium that is big enough to insert the stem without damaging it. Gently
press the medium up against the stem to firmly hold the cutting in a vertical
position. The soil should be watered and moist prior to planting.
Place the filled containers in the growlab. The cuttings need air as
well as moisture. So they plastic cover needs to be on but if condensation
forms on the inside, the moisture is too high. We need to strive
for high humidity just short of condensation forming to minimize fungal
growth. It takes three to four weeks for the cuttings to
develop visible roots.
Since the cuttings have been under domes and artificial light and kept
at 68 to 70 degrees fahrenheit, it will be necessary to harden the
plants before moving them directly to the greenhouse or cold frame. The
plants must be watered as needed, moist, not wet. Once watered, do not
water again until the top 3/4 inch of soil is dry, then water again.
Rooting mixture formula: 1/3 play sand, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3
vermiculite |
