Re: HYB: avoiding contamination in crosses

I haven't been too concerned with bee pollen, but I have had some questionable seedlings.

I would suggest large hairnets.  They allow the bloom to expand almost fully and also allow the free movement of air which keeps the temperature lower than using something like a paper bag.  I haven't used them on Iris but on other things like sunflowers.  On sunflowers it is absolutely necessary to tie the hairnet around the stalk below the flower as all kinds of bugs get in there after that delicious pollen and nectar.  You may need to do that if for nothing else to keep it from blowing away.

Here are some links I have found to purchase them from.

http://www.uline.com/Browse_Listing_955.asp?pricode=wf753

http://www.supereaglesupply.com/CatalogItemDetails.aspx?catalogitemid=93a3d408-4d77-4cf0-b82e-7345f5753631

http://www.gss-store.com/c=pMf365WVILuNBEtI7oENW7hpw/product/BOUFF21G



-----Original Message-----
>From: Robin Shadlow <rshadlow@yahoo.com>
>Sent: Feb 19, 2007 10:03 PM
>To: iris@hort.net
>Subject: [iris] HYB: avoiding contamination in crosses
>
>I know that in general, there is not huge concern about bees assisting with man-made
>  crosses, but I am contemplating making a large cross to see if I can repeat the data that I 
>  obtained from the Aunt Mary X Romantic Evening cross.  This cross yielded at least 2
>  plicatas from 200+ seedlings.  Looking at Romantic Evening's pedigree, you wouldn't expect
>  it to have a plicata gene.  So I have questioned where I may have made an error or if there 
>  was possibility of contamination.
>   
>  This time I want to take any steps that I can to reduce any opportunities for contamination in 
>  the cross.
>   
>  I know that I can open the bloom, and remove the standards and falls.  I can also remove the 
>  anthers.   Not sure if the bloom need to be protected in some manner before it is open.
>   
>  Wondered what all of you do, and what other suggestions you would have.
>   
>  Robin Shadlow
>  zone 5 NE
>   
>  where hooray the snow is melting!!!
>
> 
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