Re: Hybridizing: honey solution
- To: Multiple recipients of list AROID-L
- Subject: Re: Hybridizing: honey solution
- From: N* C*
- Date: Wed, 24 May 2000 19:46:28 -0500 (CDT)
Regarding the matter of using a honey solution in breeding. The rational
behind its use goes like this. A 20% honey solution is painted on the stigmas
in order to ; give a sticky surface to hold the pollen in plaace ; provide
an enhanced nutritive environment for pollen growth; possiblly reduce the
concentration /effectiveness of any inhibitory compounds. Creative thinking
is needed in any breeding situation. For example, a friend who grwos palms
uses a Water-0 Jet squirt gun to shoot a mixture of pollen and water wtith a
bit of honey added to it in order to pollinate palm flowers 30 feet off of
the ground. It works! I use the same technique to fertilize orchids and
ferns high in the oak trees.
On the topic of hybrids:
Tell the collectors not to confuse the container with the contents. It's the
genes that must survive, not a particular phenotype.
John Banta
via snail mail
Neil
