Laboratory of Ann Hirsch


Sweetclover Methods

Seedling Culture
(contributed by Weigang Yang)

  1. Prepare a soil mix consisting of 1:1 sea sand and coarse vermiculite. The soil mix can be autoclaved if necessary.
  2. Use flats (12 x 21 x 2 inches) or one gallon pots for growing plants for seed collection or mutant screens. Use 4 x 4 x 4 inch pots for growing plants for crossing.
  3. Scarify the seeds 20 to 30 sec in the scarifying cup or by hand. Sow the seeds in the soil mix at about 0.5 cm deep.
  4. Cover the flats with transparent plastic covers to keep the humidity high while the seeds are germinating. Remove 10 days after planting.
  5. Irrigate the soil with 100 ppm 20-20-20 N:P:K containing micronutrients for best growth. Keep the soil relatively moist.
  6. For pest control:
    • Aphids: 1/8 tsp. Marathon per pot per year.
      1% M-Pede solution for spraying plants.
    • Mites: use a water wash or spray with 1% Sun spray ultra fine oil.
    • Thrips: Use Amblyseius cucumeris (predatory mites).