janwax said:This book, Iris Culture and Hybridizing for Everyone, was published in 1961 and is out of print. It's by Wilma L. Vallette. I found a copy online and last night began reading it. I know that the information in it is over 50 years old, but it's encyclopedic! The author has collected information from 300 experienced iris growers. I'm "saving" the first chapter for later. All about chromosomes and such - need a clear head for that - and went straight to culture. Already I've discovered ideas I've not seen before. She deals a lot with rot...and suggests the use of Aureomycin and Terramycin to control it, among other things. I googled it, and Aureomycin is still used in cattle feed to control bacterial outbreaks. I wonder if modern irisarians use it?
Another eyebrow-raiser is the use of powdered skim milk mixed with water on the plants!
Raves! Superior irises result! This sounds like an easy one to try.
So much information, I've barely scratched the surface!
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