My "lazy mans' method to double the chromosomes of  diploid or triploid roses

   I put a small amount of the weed killer, Preem (the active ingredient is trifluralin) in a small amount of liquid DMSO.  The liquid turns a light yellow and there will be some undissolved solid.  I filter the solution using a very fine mesh sieve.  I then take a small amount of that solution and add it to more liquid DMSO.  I continued these dilutions until I have a very light yellow solution  remaining.  I then add a small amount of this diluted solution to some DMSO "gel" that I picked up at a farm supply store (a ratio of about 1 part diluted Preem - DMSO liquid to 50 parts DMSO gel.  I then mix the combination until the light yellow color is homogeneous throughout the gel. While I am working I have two pairs of gloves on.  An inner rubber latex, and an outer vinyl pair ( DMSO has the property of quickly passing through your skin and bringing along anything that it dissolves from your skin's surface - such as germs and /or viruses).

     In the early spring I use a small brush to apply the gel to the buds of my diploid or triploid hybrid roses such as Agnes, Wasagaming, Will Alderman, the Grootendorsts, Hansa, acicularis,  Betty Prior, Hunter, and some of my hybrids.  The hope is: if a branch has its chromosomes doubled, it will produce larger leaves and flowers, and hopefully be fertile and form hips by the end of the season.  If it works, I may have made an important contribution to the development of hardy disease resistant roses.    If not, I have not wasted much time.  I used a long sleeve jacket in case I would accidentally brush against a "gelled" bud.

  Information about the use of  DMSO, trifluralin, and other chemicals to double chromosomes can be found at the following web sites:

http://members.tripod.com/~h_syriacus/tetraploidy.htm

http://plant-tc.coafes.umn.edu/listserv/1999/log9908/msg00234.html
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