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  [Aroid-l] Making GA3 Solution
From: ted.held at us.henkel.com on 2006.09.27 at 12:41:00(14669)
OK folks, here's how to make a solution
of GA3.

First, you need a good analytical balance.
The reason is because the amounts are small. Of course, you can always
scale up the amount. But the following formula for 100 ml of solution (3
oz.) will probably do for anyone except large nursery growers.

0.05 grams GA3 (or other gibberellic
acid - GA3 is by far the most commonly cited one)
2 drops (0.1 gram) Triton X100 wetting
agent (or other convenient, mild wetting agent like hand dishwashing liquid)
2 milliliters methanol (wood alcohol
- this helps to solubilize the GA)
Fill to 100 ml (or grams) with deionized
or R.O. water
Mix until dissolved and crystal clear

This is not difficult to dissolve and
it remains water-white and clear for at least a month. I would guess that
it is still active within that time frame, but have no data on the solution
stability of GA. This solution works out to 500 ppm. Various sources on
the internet state use concentrations between 250 to 2000 ppm. Keep in
mind that GA is a powerful growth stimulant and will probably create problems
with your plants if used willy-nilly.

I have tried this solution dropping
single droplets on meristem tissue. Sometimes one drop, sometimes daily
single drops over two week periods. I have also tried immersing dormant
rhizomes overnight, but the immersion experiments were unsuccessful in
breaking dormancy. The most successful were experiments where single drops
were applied daily over two weeks. Recall my cautions about distorted inflorescences
and spindly leaves. Your results may differ. Be conservative and ramp up
from there. Any growth burst caused by GA will be temporary.

The catalog pricing in my 2005-2006
Aldrich catalog (sigma-aldrich.com) lists GA3 at $US32.10 per gram plus
shipping. If I remember right the price when I called was a little higher
and I spent about $US40, all told. If you want to go into the business,
they list it at $US204.70 for 10 grams (1/3 oz.). There may be sources
that sell grades lower than AR (analytical reagent), which will probably
be less pricey. But I don't know any sources for that. The dry material
will probably last indefinitely. Toss the solutions after a month unless
you prove it remains active beyond that date. Refrigeration will probably
extend the shelf life. Have fun. Make notes.

Ted.

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