Re: [Killietalk] Sex Ratios in Annuals

[LeeH920226 at aol_com]

In a message dated 4/11/05 11:07:48 AM, Paul_Jablinski at notes.udayton.edu 
writes:

<< 
First, does anyone have the e-mail address of Curt Smith?  Thanks.
Secondly, anyone know anything of the sex ratios in annuals according to
the pH of the water?  And is the pH the same for all species?  Thanks.
   Thirdly, when looking for annual eggs in peat what power magnifying
   (misspelled)  glass would I need?  Thanks. >>

I can answer some of these questions.
Curt's email is cskillies at hotmail_com
Sex ratio is dependent on a lot of factors - pH, temperature and especially 
the presence of other siblings during the sex differentiating period -- the 
first several weeks.
I can see most of the eggs with no magnification but about 2X helps for all. 
Lighting is the most important. Incidentally I have cataracts and macular 
dystrophy diminishing my vision. What is most important is the lighting and 
knowing what to look for. I prefer a water slurry of the peat that is less than 1/4 
inch (0.5 cm) deep in a large clear Petri dish and with light from beneath. 
Eggs over 1.4 mm are easier to see. Eggs that are freshly laid and clear are 
easier to see. Eggs that are fully developed and opaque and dark are hard to see, 
but if you look for round spheres in the fibrous and chunky peat, you will 
see them.

Lee Harper
Media, PA

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