Saturday, September 15, 2012

2012 AmScope Microscope for Peony Research

I am really excited! I just placed an order on Amazon for an AmScope 40X-640X Glass Optics Student Compound Microscope + USB Digital Camera. I was able to get it for $59 after points from my Amazon Visa and some Amazon gift cards I had. Now I can take really close up pictures of peony components! I can't wait to use it. I want to look at foliage, blooms, stems, roots, and even diseases! This is going to be so cool. It even has a built in camera, so I'll be able to post some pics to my blog. If there's something you'd curious to know that you'd like me research with it, please feel free to send me a question! This will be a valuable tool for future Experiments.

Microscope for Peony Research
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4 comments:

  1. Steve LauSeptember 16, 2012 at 12:23 AM

    Keep us updated on the research.

    This year, I've found out that unlike herbaceous or tree peony roots, itoh peony root fragments can form their own eyes and turn into viable divisions as long as they are large enough and contain enough starch.

    I've also found out that you can grow tree peonies from a branch cutting. The main rooting product I've been using is roots excelurator.

    I don't have a microscope so some of your findings can probably help me out.

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    1. AdrianaSeptember 25, 2012 at 10:34 AM

      Yes, I am interested in adventitious bud formation as well as my latest experiment in which I would like to determine whether intersectional peonies can develop adventitious roots. I will definitely post some pics when I get the new microscope going!

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    2. Steve LauSeptember 26, 2012 at 5:56 PM

      I just saw your latest blog on bartzella cuttings, and I have the same exact set up with around 40 divisions of keiko itoh peony of varying sizes from 1 tiny tuber to 5 bud sections with a decent amount of root mass. I did get an itoh peony bud itself turn into a small plant and survive. I planted all my divisions in pots so it would be easy to over-winter them in the greenhouse, and watering them would be easy once they start sprouting.

      It does seem like very good soil, and the use of rooting hormones is necessary. I'll be interested to see how those do in the spring.

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    3. AdrianaOctober 11, 2012 at 10:28 PM

      Steve,

      I'll definitely post an update in the spring. However I am not using any rooting hormones, I'm leaving it up to Mother Nature. I'll let you know how she does! :)

      Adriana

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