原版拟南芥规范种植手册
Seeds can be planted in various ways, however, strict control of numbers of seeds planted can be maintained, and separate rows of different lines can be planted in the same pot for critical comparisons with the techniques described here. The
density of planting depends on the genetic material, the purpose of the plants and availability of seeds. For seed production, high yields are achieved utilizing
densities of 10 to 20 plants per 10 cm square pot. Larger populations of plants do not necessarily reduce yield, but production per plant is reduced inversely. Larger populations are necessary for maintenance of representative proportions in a
segregating population, and this can be achieved with more dense plantings in one or two 10 cm pots or in flats (approx 26 cm x 53 cm).
Preparation of pots and planting can be accomplished as follows:
1. Thoroughly wet soil with tap water and apply a commercially available
extended time release fertilizer such as Osmocote 14-14-14 (14% nitrogen, 14% phosphate, 14% potassium) which feeds up to 3 months from planting (apply in amounts according to the label). Alternatively, nutrient solution can be used to wet the soil. Mix well with trowel or large spoon. Soil can be autoclaved to
eliminate pests, but this is not usually necessary.
2. Place soil loosely in pots or flats, level without compressing to give a uniform and soft bed. Pots are ready for planting.
3. When planting many seeds in a pot, scatter them carefully from a folded piece of filter paper (weighing paper or other paper) distributing seeds evenly onto the surface of the soil.
4. When planting individual seeds in low density, use a Pasteur pipet with a latex bulb on the upper end. Exhaust air from the pipet, submerge its tip and use slow release pressure on bulb to draw a single seed into the end of the pipet. The seed can be dropped at the desired location in the pot by carefully exhausting of the pipet. Repeated pipetings are used for the remainder of the seeds.
5. Planted seeds should not be covered with additional soil, because Arabidopsis seeds need light for germination.
6. If several pots are planted, they can be placed in a tray or other similar
container and covered with clear plastic wrap. In all cases the plastic wrap should not be allowed to contact the soil surface. Cut several small slits in the plastic with a knife in order to provide some aeration, but still maintain enough humidity for germination and also avoid seed desiccation. Clear plastic domes are available for covering flats, but should not be tightly sealed.
7. Pots can be placed at 3-4°C (refrigerator temperature) for at least 2-4 days to eliminate any dormancy, improve germination rate and its synchrony. The use of