HYB:Getting ready!

In a message dated 1/30/2006 10:03:22 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
MryL1@msn.com writes:

<<Saving pollen - If you're saving whole anthers, the whole thing  needs to be
dry.  It can still pick up moisture from the air.   I've had good results
swabbing pollen off with Qtips, storing in a ziplock  bag with a dessicant,
like you get with prescriptions sometimes. Never  tried those press-n-seal
things.  Can you reclose  them?>>
Saving pollen-are you referring to just a few days?  I've not had any  
trouble saving in a regular personal size envelope for a week or more.  In  the 
past, I've used a gallon size zip lock bag to store the envelopes and other  
hybridizing materials-notebook, tags, pencil, etc.  I'm hoping this new  Clipcase 
will allow me to carry some of my pre-season notes right into the beds  with 
me.  But I'm already starting to rethink it!  Looks like it might  be easy to 
dump the whole thing!  
 
With the plastic bag I've had to look for a shady spot for the  bag while I 
make the crosses.  The bag and it's  contents heat up fast on a sunny day.  
 
Since I also use them for storing my seed once they come out of the pod, I  
go through a large box of envelopes each year.  
 
I'm trying the method Colleen mentioned for freezer storage, using powdered  
milk.  It was easier to find.  I air dry the anthers indoor for  3-4 hours. I 
used a large zip lock bag, put in some powdered milk (loose)  and placed my 
envelopes into the bag.  (closed it of course) Hope it  works.  Fall collection 
2005.  
 
Anyone had any luck with 2nd year pollen from the freezer?  I have  some I'd 
like to try this spring.  
 
I still have to make some more pod protectors!  I barely had enough  last 
year. But I didn't lose any pods to the deer!  

 
________________________________________________________
If you  don't cross them, you can't  plant them! 
Betty W. in South-central  KY Zone 6 ---
Bridge In Time Iris Garden@website:
_www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/_ 
(http://www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/) 
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