Re: Saving Pollen
- To: i*@rt66.com
- Subject: Re: Saving Pollen
- From: R* T* D* <r*@sierratel.com>
- Date: Thu, 12 Dec 1996 20:25:15 -0800
LMann76543@aol.com wrote:
>
> Lots of good comments on storing/shipping pollen - one technique specifically
> mentioned sealing containers (for mailing). What about short term storage in
> the fridge or room temperature? Sealed or unsealed? I am assuming open
> containers since paper envelopes were one suggestion. Does humidity matter?
> To try to adjust to summer heat and humidity outdoors, I usually put off air
> conditioning as long as possible, so indoors is high humidity (compared to
> New Mexico). I remember some discussion last spring in relation to making
> successful crosses - seems like I remember too humid is bad for pollen
> viability so I am assuming unsealed containers for short term storage. Maybe
> with a few grains of rice for desiccant?
>
Linda,
Humidity will harm the pollen. For the cross to be successful the
pollen must be totally dry. A tip: go to the pharmacist and ask him for
any desiccant cubes that come in prescription medicines. They usually
have plenty of them laying around and some (pharmacists) will save them
for you. I walked away with hundreds one year. I place one these into
each film canister with the pollen I was saving. Keep unsealed and as
dry a location as possible. Keeps the pollen high and dry.
Rick Tasco
Central California--warm here also 65F today
Zone 8.5
