WHY I DO THIS BLOG ON RARE PLANTS

This blog is a labor of love. Because of my love for unusual, tropical plants and the ways to make them prosper, I searched high and low for information and data on the more obscure denizens of the plant Kingdom my information database grew and I realized that Much of the Data on Obscure Species was Unavailable or written in a cold scientific manner. In Addition, many things in garden books will not tell you of the potentially bad aspects of plant species because they were compiled by people who did not actually grow the plants themselves.Finally,as a gardener of unusual plants, I and others searched relentlessly for species, pictures, seeds, and descriptions of plants that are Unusual and easy to maintain yet many of which are never seen outside of a botanical garden.
I talked to people and found that many of my friends and associates wanted cuttings (and had as much success with them as I did) It occurred to me that there are a great deal of people out there that relish unusual and odd plants but the mainstream Plant distributors only carry "Safe" plants, Yet the dealers who deal in unusual make a killing in the plant business. How are People supposed to know about these Floral finds unless they are exposed to them.

According to the report “State of the worlds plants”by researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in the United Kingdom, there are about 391,000 species of vascular plants currently known to science. Of these, about 369,000 species (or 94 percent) are flowering plants.


By scanning through several plant databases, including the the Plant List, the International Plant Names Index and the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, the team found that 391,000 vascular plants are currently known to science. Moreover, about 2,000 new plant species are discovered or described every year. Many of these newly described are already on The endangered list

#plantaddict #rareplant

#plantgeek


CRISPR Pros and cons

 The pros and cons of CRISPR Technology and Its Impact on Horticulture.


Introduction(the pros)


CRISPR technology is a new gene-editing tool that has revolutionized the field of horticulture. The technology has made it possible for breeders to create crops with desirable traits, without the need for traditional breeding methods like hybridization or selection. This paper seeks to explore what the new CRISPR technology is, how it works, and its impact on amateur hobbyists interested in horticulture.


What is CRISPR Technology?


CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a genetic tool that enables scientists to make precise cuts in DNA strands. It works by using a guided RNA molecule to identify and cut out specific sequences of DNA. The cut can then be repaired with a new DNA strand, creating a desired genetic change. CRISPR technology is a significant breakthrough because it is more efficient than previous gene editing tools like TALENs and Zinc-finger nucleases. This means that it is possible to edit genes faster, cheaper, and with more precision.


What are the uses of CRISPR technology in horticulture?


CRISPR technology has numerous applications in horticulture. For instance, it can be used to enhance crop yield by creating crops that are resistant to diseases, pests, and drought. It can also improve crop quality by changing the taste, color, and texture of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, CRISPR technology can be used to create new crops that are adapted to specific environmental conditions.


What does the CRISPR technology mean to the amateur hobbyist interested in horticulture?


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Besides, CRISPR technology makes it possible to create crops that are adapted to local conditions. This means that amateur hobbyists can create crops that are suited to their specific climate zone, soil type, or environmental conditions. This capability allows for greater flexibility in gardening and can lead to more extensive crop choices.


Conclusion


In conclusion, CRISPR technology represents a significant breakthrough in gene editing, and its impact on horticulture is enormous. The technology has made it possible to create crops with desirable traits that are adapted to specific conditions. Hence, amateur hobbyists interested in horticulture can use the technology to create their desired plants, even without extensive scientific expertise. While the technology is still shrouded in controversy, its potential for improving crop yield, quality, and resilience cannot be ignored. Positive

CRISPR technology is a powerful tool that has revolutionized the field of genetic engineering. Although the applications of CRISPR are promising, there are potential risks associated with its use, especially in the hands of amateur hobbyists. There are examples of hobbyists conducting experiments outside of proper facilities with minimal knowledge of the technology, which pose a significant risk to public health and safety. This paper focuses on why amateur hobbyists should not play with CRISPR and the potential consequences of such actions.


But…. Great cautions should be exerted as to the access and use.


The very dangerous cons


Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) are a set of genetic tools that enable precise editing of DNA. CRISPR technology has already been used in agriculture, medicine, and scientific research. In recent years, the technology has become accessible to amateur hobbyists who can purchase cheap kits online.


Although the availability of CRISPR kits has opened up the potential for more people to experiment with genetic engineering, it has also raised concerns about the potential for misuse of the technology. Amateur hobbyists may not understand the risks and dangers associated with CRISPR technology, which could have serious consequences.


The CRISPR technology has many implications for amateur hobbyists interested in horticulture. For starters, it is now possible for hobbyists to create their desired crop varieties with desirable characteristics like flavor, disease resistance, and size. This means that amateur hobbyists can now create unique fruits and vegetables that are tailored to their specific needs

However

The Potential Consequences of Amateur Hobbyists Using CRISPR are numerous

One of the potential risks of amateur hobbyists using CRISPR is the accidental release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment. Hobbyists may not have the facilities, expertise, or knowledge to safely contain the organisms that they are working with, leading to the risk of cross-contamination.


Another potential consequence of hobbyist experimentation with CRISPR is the production of dangerous mutations. Even minor errors in the genetic code can have serious consequences. Hobbyists may lack the knowledge and expertise to identify and mitigate these risks, leading to unintended health consequences.


Finally, the use of CRISPR by amateur hobbyists could lead to an increase in bio-terrorism. It is possible that terrorists could obtain CRISPR kits and use them for malicious purposes, such as creating a virus that would target specific populations.


Conclusion


In conclusion, there are several potential risks associated with amateur hobbyist experimentation with CRISPR. The risks include the accidental release of GMOs into the environment, the production of dangerous mutations, and the possibility of CRISPR being used for malicious purposes. Therefore, it is important to regulate and monitor the use of CRISPR technology, especially by amateur users. Hobbyists should not play with CRISPR until they have proper training, facilities, and safeguards in place to ensure the safety of themselves and others. The bottom line is that genetic engineering is not a job for amateur hobbyists, and the potential risks associated with the use of CRISPR  technology cannot be underestimated. 

MORE RARE TROPICAL PLANTS: Coffee, anyone???

MORE RARE TROPICAL PLANTS: Coffee, anyone???:   Went out to trim my enormous coffee tree, but… Whoops this is what I found.. It looks to be a bumper crop this year probably one and half to 2 pounds of coffee beans.

Coffee, anyone???

 Went out to trim my enormous coffee tree, but… Whoops this is what I found..








It looks to be a bumper crop this year probably one and a half pounds… I save it for a very rare occasions…(like when my eccentric, brilliant worldly ,rare plant friends visit) 

Maybe I’ll do a presentation on the preparation of the beans  and you know you can even grow it indoors like a house plant although you have to pollinate it yourself if you do that.

Like my fellow #plantgeek and #plantaddict (s) haven’t already used the paint brush trick.

Lol I invented the #Plantgeek… check my Twitter profile

Using coconut water as a plant hormone

 Using coconut water for endospermic seed germination..and rooting hormone.



Introduction

Seed germination is an essential stage for plant growth and development, as it is the point where the seed transforms from its dormant state to an active seedling. Factors such as soil moisture, temperature, light, and nutrients play critical roles in this process. Recently, there has been growing interest in the use of organic substances, such as coconut water, in seed germination. This paper will explore the effects of coconut water on seed germination and plant growth.

Coconut Water Composition and Nutritional Properties

Coconut water is the liquid inside a green coconut, which is rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It has been found to contain cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins. Cytokinins help cells divide and promote leaf growth. Auxins regulate plant growth and stimulate the formation of adventitious roots. Gibberellins promote stem elongation and flower development.

Coconut Water in Seed Germination

The use of coconut water in seed germination has been a subject of research and discussion for some time. Studies have shown that coconut water promotes seed germination, enhances root growth, and increases plant vigor. The cytokinins in coconut water stimulate cell division and promote the development of cotyledon and hypocotyl in the germinating seed. The auxins found in coconut water aid in the development of the primary root and lateral roots.

Research has also found that coconut water has a positive effect on seedling vigor. A study conducted by Kaur et al. (2012) found that the use of coconut water in seed germination resulted in the growth of a more extensive root system, thicker hypocotyl, and larger cotyledons compared to the control group.

Coconut Water in Plant Growth

Coconut water has also been found to have a positive impact on plant growth. Research indicates that the use of coconut water as a foliar spray in plant growth promotes better nutrient uptake, resulting in thicker, greener leaves and increased plant height. A study conducted by Mendez et al. (2019) in strawberry plants found that the use of coconut water as a foliar spray resulted in bigger and heavier fruits.

Proper Use of Coconut Water

Although coconut water has been found to be beneficial in seed germination and plant growth, it is vital to use it correctly. The potency of coconut water varies as it is sourced from different coconut varieties, and the stage at which it is harvested, so it is important to ensure that the coconut water is fresh and of good quality. A study conducted by Hossain and Rahman (2011) found that fresh coconut water yielded better results than coconut water stored for extended periods.

Conclusion

Coconut water is an excellent organic substance that has been found to promote seed germination, enhance root growth, and increase plant vigor. The cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins present in coconut water provide the necessary nutrition for the seedling to develop, leading to better-quality crops. However, proper use of coconut water is necessary for optimal results. Further research is necessary to understand the best practices for the use of coconut water in seed germination and plant growth for different crop types. 

References

Hossain, M. M., & Rahman, M. M. (2011). Adventitious rooting in tissue-cultured seedlings of sorghum: Its significance and ways of optimization. Plant Cell Reports, 30(5), 741-749.

Kaur, G., Asthir, B., & Bains, T. S. (2012). Coconut water priming improves seed germination and seedling vigour in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek). Legume Research-An International Journal, 35(4), 331-336.

Mendez, L. T., & Khatibi, P. A. (2019). Coconut Water Promotes Plant Growth and Fruit Quality in Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) Plants. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 38(4), 1524-1534. 

Rare, bromeliad planter