OT: Pollen
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: OT: Pollen
- From: S* M* <7*@compuserve.com>
- Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 19:28:26 -0700 (MST)
Dennis wrote:
> How long does pollen keep? Do you have to refrigerate it? Is there a=
ny
> special technique to preserving pollen which you wish to use to
hybridize
> with another cultivar that blooms weeks, or even months later?
I don't have the definitive answer,
but have gotten seeds from year-old
pollen.
I keep it in open condiment cups for
about a week, until the anther is
thoroughly dry. Then I cover the cup
and refrigerate it. With this treatment,
it remains viable for many weeks.
To hold pollen over until the next year,
I freeze it. Look at a few grains under
the microscope before freezing to be
sure the grains haven't become wet
and burst -- and again after thawing =
to be sure they haven't burst during
the freeze / thaw cycle.
In more humid climates, a dessicant
is recommended. =
Sharon McAllister
73372.1745@compuserve.com
