Re: Re: HYB: Basics 101 and painting pollen

In a message dated 11/13/2003 8:16:04 PM Central Standard Time, MryL1@msn.com 
writes:

> I
> have fat fingers, so plucking anthers doesn't work very well here.

Mary, I have fat fingers too, so I use tweezers to actually pluck the anthers 
from the bloom. I place the anthers in an envelope that I carry in a zip lock 
bag. I put the name of the pollen on the envelope.  I may collect several 
anthers before I start crossing. I usually have quite a collection of envelopes 
with left over anthers by the end of iris season.

I drag the anther between my thumb and ring finger with the anther facing my 
ring finger.  It leaves my fingertip covered with pollen.  I apply pollen with 
my finger, rolling it in place.  I have a rather high rate of takes using 
this method. This year, I broke a style, but normally there are no casualties.  

When I'm ready to switch pollen I either wash my hands with rubbing alcohol 
or water.  Alcohol was recommended to me as being preferred, but I believe 
water kills the pollen, too.  

Betty W. in South-central KY Zone 6

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