pollen storage, pollen rehydration
ConroeJoe@aol.com (Wed, 10 Aug 2005 16:25:20 PDT)

In a message dated 8/10/2005 4:26:27 PM Central Daylight Time,
pbs-request@lists.ibiblio.org writes:

Hi Gang,

I have only spotty experience with storage of bulb pollen. However, with
Crinum, I do as was described a day or two ago; I store the pollen over a
desiccant in an airtight container, in the refrigerator (I have not tried freezing).

Such pollen from Crinum has lasted 10-18 months and I do not rehydrate it at
all before use. I simply pick out a dried anther (I store the anthers but not
the filaments) with forceps, and I gently touch it to the stigma of newly
opened flowers. If I'm in a stingy mood, I break the anther into 2 pieces and
use half an anther to achieve pollination.

Sometimes, I can see pollen on the side of the small envelope (I store the
anthers in coin envelopes, or just the corner of a regular white envelope). I
use my finger, or a Q-tip to rub some of that pollen onto the stigma.

I have best results if I attempt Crinum pollination early in the day, but
sometimes afternoon works just fine too.

Cordially,

Conroe Joe
(hot and humid here, a summer that was hotter and drier than usual)