On Friday, June 30, 2006, at 09:40 AM, <sussli@netscape.com> wrote: > The microwaved pollen is surely dead and completely infertile. However, > the dead pollen's surface proteins or polysaccharides are still there, > and > they are what one hopes will trigger the proper responses in the > stigma to > allow fertilization by other pollen, not microwaved, that is then > applied > to the stigma. > > You mix compatible but dead pollen with live pollen that would > otherwise be > rejected by the stigma. This way you get no unwanted hybrids mixed in > with > your seeds. > > Clear as mud? > > Jim Shields > in central Indiana (USA) I'd like to thank those who recommended this system. I have tried it using Sprekelia 'Orient Red' pollen which I microwaved as instructed, and mixed it with the S. howardii pollen. We left on a 2 week "vacation". Upon our return today, we have a "swollen" seed pod. Now we must wait to see if this pod contains seeds. I have taken pictures and will be trying the germinating system used for Hippeastrum seeds unless advised otherwise. Doug