原版拟南芥规范种植手册

Fungus gnats: the larvae of this insect inhabit the soil around the plants,

especially in over-watered pots, and can cause severe root and leaf damage,

destroying plants; adults are easily detected (2-3 mm long). Larvae populations can be controlled by reduced watering or by treating the soil with the highly

selective biological insecticide "Gnatrol" (Bacillus thuringiensis), or the

microencapsulated Chlorpyrifos "Duraguard" for time release control. "Marathon" is a systemic alternative.

Note that the use of brand names does not constitute an endorsement of product nor does it imply that other approaches may be necessarily inferior. The

chemicals listed are for information only. Also, when these or any other pesticides are employed, check the label instructions of the manufacturer before purchase or application for registered usages of the product and recommended application rates and frequencies. Label instructions of pesticides must be strictly followed, and the product applied only by individuals with currently valid licenses. All

applications of pesticides should be made in evening hours, and greenhouse

rooms flushed with fresh air before the next morning to minimize exposure to workers. Notice of application should always be posted.

Many predator species are currently marketed for control of some of the above pests. Some of these are effective, but others are less successful. We have used predators to eradicate spider mites. However, some others have been less

successful in our hands, and when it becomes necessary to apply chemicals to control one pest, all predators are often lost. We have also experienced difficulty in keeping some predators on hand for quick response to pest immigration.

However, as technology relating to this type of pest control advances, their use will surely increase.

Plant isolation and harvesting

It is necessary to avoid seed mixing among adjacently growing lines and to

prevent loss of seeds due to shattering while assuring quality of the harvested

seeds. It is essential to keep plants of one line isolated from neighboring plants to ensure that absolutely no cross-contamination can occur. It is useful to keep

inflorescences from sprawling for maximum use of growth area. Various means and devices, such as "AraconsTM", plastic floral sleeves and plastic bags can be employed to achieve these goals. In case you need access to the plants while they are growing e.g. if you are making crosses, it may not be practical to contain the plants inside an isolation system, therefore plants can be supported on wire stakes or plastic rods using disposable wire bag ties.

Watering of pots should be discontinued several days prior to harvest so that pots are dry when harvest is conducted. It should be noted that delays in harvesting following physiological maturation of the plant result in seed deterioration,

especially under non-optimal environmental conditions.