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Post by Tom Wagner on Aug 29, 2012 6:31:40 GMT -8
Three days later...now it has been 14 days since seeding. I brought the tray indoors off the staircase landing for one night to keep it a bit warmer for jump starting the germination on the slow lines. All varieties have now sprouted at least one seedling. The reason I am posting this message is to let folks know that TPS can (and will) germinate at different percentages depending on many factors; namely the lack of uniform temperatures. The temperatures at night here hover around 50 degrees F. The daytime highs will be in the upper 60's to about 70/71 for the next week. If I had temps around 78 I would have better emergence. One thing I almost forgot to say....note the drying soil media on most of the seedling cubes? Yes, you must allow the majority of the cells to dry a bit before watering again. It toughens up the seedlings....keeps them from getting spindly....but of course the drying down will affect the germination of the stragglers but just don't allow the cells to be dry for too long. I am apt to water only the cells which are dry...and not water the ones appearing moist enough to survive another waiting period. I am showing these examples in order to illustrate that TPS germination is unlike tomato seed...which tends to germinate much more uniformly. Tom Wagner
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Post by John Weber on Aug 31, 2012 15:52:45 GMT -8
I want to know when I can collect the potato fruits. I have some that have been present for almost two weeks and are not getting soft. I am really curious about trying to plant from seed.
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Post by Tom Wagner on Aug 31, 2012 19:30:55 GMT -8
John,
I see you finally made in into the forum after some difficulty. Thanks
Potato berries need to be on the potato vine for about 6 to 8 weeks after flowering. The berries don't have a special color when ripe...even when soft they may still be greenish although a bit yellowish. Leave 'em alone as long a possible on the vine...if they fall off natrally...gather them and allow them to 'ripen' a few more weeks indoors.
If you go back into the forum topics you may find more information. Remember that TPS does not want to necessarily germinate directly after seed extraction. It is best to wait 6 months to several years.
Tom
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Post by Tom Wagner on Sept 1, 2012 9:19:38 GMT -8
These pictures were taken 9-1-2012 from a 8-15 sowing. They are a follow up of the previous posts. For information about the growth and germination of TPS.
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Post by Tom Wagner on Sept 5, 2012 9:36:57 GMT -8
Three weeks now after sowing. This shot shows five lines of TPS I am allowing the tray to dry down a bit more. Many TPS are still germinating as line three shows. However the others are growing and I need to stress them a bit with the drying ....then I will water.
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jayb
Full Member
Posts: 139
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Post by jayb on Sept 10, 2012 11:51:34 GMT -8
It's amazing how quickly they come on once they get started.
Why the need to stress them at such a young age?
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Post by DarJones on Sept 24, 2012 5:44:30 GMT -8
One reason for stressing solanum seedlings by restricting water is that it triggers the plant to develop a larger root system. Once the plants have been imprinted to develop more roots, they retain that tendency as the plants mature. The end result is a larger plant that is more productive.
I make extensive use of this method for the tomato seedlings I sell each year.
DarJones
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Post by Tom Wagner on Nov 5, 2012 12:51:38 GMT -8
This is a close up photo of the TPS cleaned from 800 berries of Yungay variety potato. I set up my equipment to get perfectly clean seed. The seed is 100% hybrid TPS! All I know is that the male parents are from all over the patch with high resistance to late blight being the filter.
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Post by aletheia on Nov 5, 2012 15:03:22 GMT -8
What is the use for this high amount of Seeds? Do you sell them in your shop?
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Post by Tom Wagner on Nov 5, 2012 16:12:37 GMT -8
This seed...TPS....will be good for the rest of my life....and if I ever get involved with near commericail production of TPS plantlet....and yes, for my current site for sales... newworldcrops.com
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Post by aletheia on Nov 6, 2012 0:51:59 GMT -8
Thanks for your answer. This lead me to my next question. How long last true TPS and how do you store it. I read in your forum that seeds getting better if they get older (i mean they germinate faster). Do you have experiences in storing TPS for many years? In genetic libraries they store seeds under constant low temperatures for long time. This year i harvested many TPS from my field and I am scared that they degenerate due to wrong storage conditions.
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Post by DarJones on Nov 6, 2012 8:02:32 GMT -8
First make sure the seed were thoroughly dried when you harvested them. Then store them according to how long you want them to last. They will easily store for 10 years at room temperature or for up to 30 years if kept in a deep freeze. It is also important to check that there are no pests in the seed. I have seen one type of moth that will lay eggs on potato seed packets and the larvae will eat the seed.
DarJones
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Post by aletheia on Nov 6, 2012 8:39:26 GMT -8
Tks Jones I will check for pests. I know these moths which eat nearly than everything which look like seed.
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Post by misshathorn on Dec 6, 2012 9:38:44 GMT -8
Hello Tom (we met in Oxford a few years ago!) I also started some TPS in August - saved from some plants that I grew out of seed that you sent me. The original seeds were No.11 (Bolivian landraces Pirampo x Khuchi Akita) and No.6 (F2 Pam Wagner). I have just unearthed all but 2 pots and have a variety of tubers to show for it. What I'm wondering is just how big do they need to be for planting out in the spring to provide enough food for the new plant? Also, is it best to keep them in the fridge in the meantime? I don't know how to upload photos here but can direct you to my blog should you want to see the results! www.mustardplaster.blogspot.co.uk/
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Post by Tom Wagner on Dec 6, 2012 18:42:37 GMT -8
Oh, Wow! Great to hear from anyone from my Oxford, England visit. For those that may not know...my workshop in Oxford was in late October, 2009 after nearly two months of talking potatoes and tomatoes all over Europe. Here are the pictures...I use IMGUR for everything. I would say you have enough size and firmness for the tubers to last in a cool place...like a basement...garage that doesn't freeze...and allow a little light to keep the sprouts from getting two long.
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