I am trying to treat Arabidopsis seeds with 1-MCP to block ethylene (competitive inhibitor). But I don't know how to exactly use the 1-MCP powder since it will then release its gas whenever mix with aqueous solution.
Dear Abigail,
According to our experience, we have used MCP inside tightly sealed growth containers. We have sample of SmartFresh with relatively low active substance concentration. One needs to dissolve 20 mg MCP in a form of SmartFresh in 20 mL deionized water and place inside the container with plants or seeds. This amount is enough for 50 L container to keep ethylene receptors blocked for at least couple of days or even longer. For a smaller container you need relatively lower amount of MCP. This can be done even with tissue culture.
Thank you so much for the helpful answer Professor Levinsh. So I understand that I'll put the dissolved MCP (20mg in 2mL) in sealed containers. Can I have a follow up question? Is it also possible to put the the dissolved MCP directly mix with the liquid media (not just placing them with seeds in one container)? I'll be treating the seeds on its 6DAG.
I am not sure about possible chemical interactions between MCP and other components in the medium. Some reactions might slow down release of gaseous MCP. But, in any case, you should try whatever method suits best your needs. I am also planning to perform similar experiment with halophyte seeds with salinity-induced dormancy in the presence of ethephon to see wheather ethylene has any effect. In one set I am planning to include MCP as negative control. In our design, seeds are germinated on Petri dishes on filter paper with salt solution, but gas-releasing chemicals are put along seeds inside small vials.
Dear Prof. Levinsh,
I just would like to have a follow-up question again, when you use MCP treatment, what did you do in your control, i mean did you expose the control seedlings in air (normal ventilation of N2)? In my experiment now, I am just using MCP to block endogenous ethylene and observe its effect. And I am not sure what type of control will I use. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Dear Abigail,
As conditions inside the container may differ from these in open air (especially, air humidity as well as light intensity), we are using identical sealed container for control plants
Hi Prof. Levinsh, I am using identical sealed container in my control too, but what I meant is should I introduce some air for ventilation in the control, like N2 or you meant just put my control in the sealed container without introducing any air at it? Thank you so much. Sorry for being so annoying :)
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