The 'Prudence Risley' Project!

Sinningia 'Prudence Risley' grown by Jon Lindstrom



 Story # 35,


The ‘Prudence Risley’ Project!


      The ‘Prudence Risley’ project all started when I decided that this red trumpet flowered Sinningia could be sold if we only could produce them.


      Tissue culture was the answer.  If we could get the variety established in a Tissue Culture lab perhaps small numbers could be produced.  At the time, two years ago, I was establishing a working relationship with Dr Jon Lindstrom, Associate Professor of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas.  He agreed to attempt production of ‘Prudence Risley’ if I could make a donation to his Sinningia research at the University.


      So where to get the money?


      My idea evolved to offer shares in the project which would help support his Sinningia hybridizing research (an implied goal of the Gesneriad Society).  In exchange for a $20 share, a donor was entitled to a ‘Prudence Risley’ plant when they could be produced-------possibly a wait of a year.


      The project was presented to my three local plant chapters------ Delaware African Violet and Gesneriad Society, the Liberty Bell chapter and the National Capital Chapter of the Gesneriad Society.  I was happy that many individuals saw that as a worthwhile bet and bought shares at $20 per plant.  When the goal of $1,000 was near, the Delaware AVS chapter donated the shortfall.


     This all worked out.  ‘Prudence Risley’ was successfully produced by tissue culture and the donors got their plant.  I thank all who helped.


     Since then tissue culture production has continued and the ‘Prudence Risley’ project allowed a new hybrid to be introduced to the plant world.