Carolina C-FERN Spores - Manual (Page 2)

To grow C-Fern ® successfully, you will need
• an appropriate growing environment
• a light source
• a medium
• spores
Growth and Development
Plant-growing systems can be easily adapted to provide adequate
environmental conditions for
C-Fern . To attain the optimum growth and
timing of development as indicated in C-Fern kits, cultures require
adequate lighting and temperature control. If your temperature and
lighting conditions differ substantially from that indicated, a test run should
be carried out to determine when, under your conditions, specific
developmental stages will be present for observation and manipulation.
Two options, Culture Domes and Growth Pods, available through Carolina
Biological Supply, are described. Note: When using either option, do not
tightly seal the petri dishes (e.g., using Parafilm
® ).
Culture Domes (RN-15-6792)
Culture Domes, consisting of greenhouse trays covered with transparent
humidity domes, regulate temperature and humidity, reduce contamination,
and permit easy handling of a larger number of dishes. An illustration of a
Culture Dome with an appropriate lighting stand is shown below.
Maintain your C-Fern cultures under
continuous illumination using 40-W cool-
white fluorescent light tubes at a distance
of 45 cm or less from the cultures. Vary the
distance between the lights and the Culture
Dome to obtain a temperature near the
28°C optimum. Larger lighting stands will
accommodate additional Culture Domes.
Remember: The correct temperature inside
the Culture Dome is more important than a
specific level of light.
©2003 Carolina Biological Supply Company Printed in USA
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