Re: Re: HYB: Storing pollen

I use test tubes with silica crystals in a medium sized glass jar with lid.  
I can label each tube with a sharpee and see just exactly how much pollen I have in each tube without even opening the jar.

When I'm done with a tube it is washed, the sharpee rubs off with soap and water or rubbing alcohol and the silica gel can be reused when redried.

Paul Archer
Raleigh, NC  Zone 8



-----Original Message-----
>From: autmirislvr@aol.com
>Sent: May 25, 2008 7:15 PM
>To: iris@hort.net
>Subject: Re: [iris] Re: HYB: Storing pollen
>
>Just in the paper packet. For an hour.  I can't imagine trying to put
>each individual packet of pollen in it's own powdered milk container. I
>put a business envelope in with the powdered milk and then stick the
>individual packets in the business envelope.  This way the powedered
>milk doesn't mix in with the pollen.
>
>Typically, I carry blooms in the house and then spread the anthers on a
>disposable plate to dry. In most cases they are dry enough in about an
>hour.  It's a judgement call.  My house is air conditioned and the
>humidity is controlled. The lack of air conditioning this spring, due
>to cool temperatures, may have made a difference. Whatever the reason,
>I had a bit more trouble knowing when they were dry this spring. I
>guess I've developed an eye for pollen over the years. I can usually
>tell if pollen is good just by looking at it. If I'm in doubt, a slight
>touch tells me.
>
>Due to the excessive rain this spring, I brought several blooms of
>Renown inside to open and then froze the pollen. At the time, I had no
>idea when I might get a chance to use it.  This way I figured I was
>good however it went.  Some of the Renown pollen took on later crosses.
>Other frozen pollen did not take.  Maybe Renown pollen just likes to be
>frozen? <vbg> The Renown pollen looked better going into the freezer.
>Great even.
>
>I have no way of knowing if the pollen is good before it goes into the
>freezer, other than visual assessment. Just as I can't tell if it will
>take in a regular every day cross. Fluffy pollen and a glistening
>stigmatic lip still do not always guarantee a take.  Sometimes bad
>pollen and dry stigmas still result in a pod!  I've taken enough notes
>to know it can work both ways.  Only about 50% of my crosses take on a
>regular basis. Wish I was better at judging, or less prone to taking
>that wild chance, but it is what it is.
>
><<Betty, did you leave it in the dried milk package while it was
>reaching room temperature?B B 
>Or just in the paper packet?B Do you dry anthers at room temperature for
>a day or so before freezing?>>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Linda Mann <lmann@lock-net.com>
>To: iris@hort.net
>Sent: Sun, 25 May 2008 7:06 pm
>Subject: [iris] Re: HYB: Storing pollen
>
>
>Thanks for the suggestions, Paul. Have you done this yourself?B 
>B 
>Betty, did you leave it in the dried milk package while it was reaching
>room temperature?B 
>B 
>Or just in the paper packet?B 
>B 
>Do you dry anthers at room temperature for a day or so before freezing?
>B In dried milk container or out in the open?B 
>B 
><I went to the freezer and took out Renown pollen. I placed it on theB 
>table for an hour to let it reach room temperature. Then I pollinatedB 
>1708-03 with the freezer pollen. >B 
>-- Linda Mann east Tennessee USA zone 7/8B 
>East Tennessee Iris Society <http://www.DiscoverET.org/etis>B 
>Region 7, Kentucky-Tennessee <http://www.aisregion7.org>B 
>American Iris Society web site <http://www.irises.org>B 
>talk archives: <http://www.hort.net/lists/iris-talk/>B 
>photos archives: <http://www.hort.net/lists/iris-photos/>B 
>online R&I <http://www.irisregister.com>B 
>B 
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