From: ted.held at us.henkel.com on 2005.06.13 at 16:02:51(13007)
Please allow a non-botanist to speculate on the "ghost" mystery.
If a plant is able to survive one or two seasons as a ghost by utilizing stored energy from bulbs or the seed package, does that not mean that starchy matter is dissolved by enzymes and such and drawn up into the plant in the form of sap? Assuming that is true, does it not follow that the same or similar materials could be absorbed by the bulb or roots (or foliar application, for that matter) from the soil mix? In other words, would it be possible to actually "feed" a plant like you would a cat or bird?
I know this sounds crazy. But parasitic plants tap into solubles from hosts all the time. And such a phenomenon might explain the facts as they have been presented, especially by Mr. Tyerman. And if it is true, what sorts of "food" might work?
I'd appreciate learned comment, even if it is derisive laughter.
Ted Held
|