Making Crosses
- To: Iris Listserver <I*@Rt66.com>
- Subject: Making Crosses
- From: S* M* <7*@compuserve.com>
- Date: 17 Mar 96 12:57:13 EST
Linda Mann writes:
>> now if i can just figure out what a condiment cup is......
They're the little plastic cups used by fast food places. Designed for stuff
like catsup & hot sauce. You can get them at restaurant supply houses.
They're convenient for storing pollen, too, as them come with lids. Just be
sure that the pollen is DRY before sealing the cup. Any small container would
do, but because these are designed to be disposable they're relatively cheap.
Louise Parsons writes:
>> I seem to remember reading in the AIS bulletin that
the key to adaptability for these "exotic" species lies in more people being
willing to work with them in a greater variety of climates and soils. The
"flops" are just as interesting as the successes in this regard.
That's the best way I know to maintain a diverse gene pool. As for "flops",
I've certainly learned as much from the thousands of seedlings that I've tossed
as from the relatively few I've introduced.
>When something "pods" does that mean it sets seed naturally? (One of many
gaps in my knowlege-I had never heard this term)
It just means it set seeds. It may have been to bee-borne pollen, or it may be
in response to a hybridizer's efforts. We do tend to lapse into jargon at
times, so I'm glad you jumped in with the question.
>> Have iris breeders worked with embryo culture the way lily breeders have?
Yes. This has been a valuable tool in working with wide crosses.
I know this comes perilously close to being a "sales pitch" -- but if you want
more details than are appropriate for e-mail, our catalog does include booklets
of interest to hybridizers.
Sharon McAllister
Southern New Mexico
73372. 1745 @compuserve.com
