Re: frozen pollen
LONLEE2086@aol.com wrote:
>
> In a message dated 96-03-22 04:32:19 EST, you write:
>
> >How long can frozen pollen be stored and still remain viable? I have
> >mine stored in the freezer in gelatin capsules within a jar that has a
> >few packets of silica gel in the bottom. I have pollen from spring and
> >fall bloomers from 1994 and 1995.
> >
> >Julie Irwin
> >bajai@mtco.com
>
> Was this answered?? I didnt see a reply. Forgive me if we are being
> redundant.
>
> Lonnie
I don't believe that has been addressed. I would be curious as to what
Clarence would answer to this question. A few years ago I called
Moonshine Gardens and was able to talk to Monty Byers...since I had
ordered and grew quite a few of his intros I felt that perhaps I could
ask him some questions about iris. He was so pleasant and helpful...I
explained to him that I really enjoyed the iris that he had hybridized
and was about to try a little hybridizing myself. There were 2 certain
iris that I really wanted to cross; the only problem was that they never
bloomed at the right time so that I could make a cross. He told me that
I could remove the anther which had the ripened pollen I wanted and
could place it in a gelatin capsule for storage. (I now do this and
place the gelatin capsules in a glass canning jar in which I have put a
couple of silica packages in the bottom to absorb any excess moisture: I
then place the closed canning jar in the freezer for storing) I know
that pollen I have gathered in the fall will still be viable till spring
of the following year. I am just curious as to the length of time I can
safely assume this frozen pollen will stay viable...I would be
disappointed if the cross of the decade would be for naught because the
pollen was no good!!!
Julie Irwin <bajai@mtco.com>
USDA zone 5 Illinois
