Best Scientific Article “Forging your Program: Experimenting with Tetraploid Conversions” by Cameron Stern – Spring 2017

If you’ve ever wished you could cross a favorite diploid into your tetraploid program (or the other way around), this article is for you. In “Forging Your Program: Experimenting with Tetraploid Conversions,” Cameron Stern explains why conversions can be such a powerful way to “forge your own unique program,” especially when availability and cost limit what you can buy.

What you’ll take away:

• Why conversions can help bridge the diploid/tetraploid crossing barrier in a breeding program.
• A high-level look at why access to colchicine is a limiting factor (and why it’s considered extremely hazardous).
• Why oryzalin (found in the herbicide Surflan®) is discussed as an alternative that’s easier to obtain, and why experimentation still matters.
• A reminder that even “lower-toxicity” options still require careful handling, PPE, and good chemical hygiene.
• Additional resources the author recommended for learning.