Nematodes are a pain in the neck, especially for plantains. Some sources say that adding organic material helps; others say it doesn't. Even with all of the crazy amounts of mulch I have in my yard, I usually can't get more than a year of production out of a stand of plantains.

I've read that carnivorous fungi work just as well as chemical nematicides. I actually would like to purchase a product called melocon, but I haven't been able to find it in a small size (I don't need 20 pounds at a price of $500). Maybe some members of the group could pool together and share a bag...

Cookie Monster,

Here is a cheaper neamatode control via fungi. It has the same paecilomyces lilacinus fungi;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331819457575?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&fromMakeTrack=true

Also biowar root pack seems to to contain the strain as well

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Biowar-Nute-Pack-Biowar-Root-Pack-Biowar-Foliar-Pack-/181139256584

Adam,

Its looking really nice. Here is a 8 month old seedling. I pinched off the central leader a few times and got some branching on it. I have a few other seedlings around the same age.

I find that it keeps going, what happens is certain plants interest will fade if its a poor grower, keeps dying, does not produce, or produces crops below expectations. I have like 300 different types of plant seed I still need to germinate. I have come up with a new approach, I just soak the seeds and throw them in marked larger containers with drip irrigation. If the seeds come up and thrive with minimal effort good. If they struggle and scumbag then was not worth the time unless its an amazing fruit/vegetable/herb in flavor.

I love the weedy type of plants that thrive on neglect. Dandelions, Corchorus olitorius, Peperomia pellucida, Everglades tomato, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Bidens alba, Murdannia loriformis, Malva Crispa, Solanum opacum, Boysenberry, etc. all these plants always have something to nibble on all year round.

Oscar,

You think you will be offering seeds next year on tree?

Good deal! I got two and hopefully one will be female and flower and produce fruit. But if not, maybe I can get some scions for grafting in the future. Thanks!

Yeah should be no problem sometime in the future.

Good to hear they all came in good condition. Enjoy the plants, I hope they all grow well for everyone.

I agree with JF, capulin cherry has a great taste. Even my friends tree which was resinous before being fully ripe had a great flavor. The only problem is the seed to flesh ratio was not the greatest on his tree, like 50/50 flesh and pit or 60/40. If there is a good selection of capulin cherry, I would definitely plant it out.

The fruits will ripen from a cut pad, however ripening quality and size can be affected depending on the size of the pad and the stage of the fruit.

The flower bud looks like its about 3 to 7 days from flowering.

Since your breeding you may be interested in these documents.

Reproductive biology of Opuntia
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100-84042012000100006

I have more hard to post efficiently all the links on my phone. Will update later

Victorinox is nic3 grafting knife is pretty sharp out of box.

Should move this to Tropical Fruit Discussion. It was posted under the buy trade forum.

I use about 30 superoots, its true that they dry out faster. However the increased aeration is a good thing, I just build the soil mixes with more coir or peatmoss to increase water retention. The best part is root pruning and repotting is really easy with them.

You need airflow and light (uv) to kill mold. Having no airflow and light cycles is probably what caused the mold. I find that cacti root fast. (3 days) with 13h light 11h dark cycle, humidity levels between 40% to 85%. I use a grow tent with LED grow light. I have a 80mm fan which allows a gentle airflow intake and extake from the tent.

The rooting process requirements should be similar to optimal grafting. I would get a good LED grow light with some UV spectrum. I may be grafting some Opuntia later this year. I had a successful pie graft of Opuntia ficus indica that was done outside in part shade.