Re: tube capping

["Carol M. Stiff" <kck@TURBONET.COM>]

Allan:
How do you cut the rolls?  I have tried that and get a mess - it sticks
together.  Would like to know your secret.

Thanks.......................carol

Carol M. Stiff, Ph.D.
Kitchen Culture Kits, Inc.
http://www.kitchenculturekit.com
936-699-3551   FAX 936-699-3553
kck@turbonet.com
For translation, go to: http://babelfish.altavista.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: Plant Tissue Culture [mailto:PLANT-TC@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of John, Allan
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2005 2:50 AM
To: PLANT-TC@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re:  tube capping

Dear All,

Chris Selby in Belfast found that parafilm gives off volatiles that can
affect culture growth. I can't remember the reference but you should be able
to find it on a name search.

We use sandwich wrap (clingfilm).  I buy the 60 metre rolls of polyethylene
sandwich wrap in the local supermarket.  I cut it down into smaller 1 inch
(2.5cm) rolls and we use that to seal everything ie culture tubes, petri
plates and magenta vessels.  It has been known since the early 70's that
polyethylene leaks like a seive where gases are concerned.  We have never
had problems with shoot cultures or embryogenic cultures.  I would advise
you to stay away from PVC film but I can't give you a good reason why.  You
will also need to investigate the different brands.  In the UK we have found
that the best is Saisbury's Non PVC Food Wrap.  Perhaps I should put in a
disclaimer that I have no financial connections with the company, more's the
pity.

Happy Wrapping

Allan

Dr Allan John
Tree Biotechnologist
Forest Research
Northern Research Station
Roslin
Midlothian
Scotland
EH25 9SY
UK
Phone - 0131 445 2176
Facs - 0131 455 5124
E-Mail - allan.john@forestry.gsi.gov.uk