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Thread: Pollen Collecting

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Massachusetts
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    7,068

    Default Pollen Collecting

    Hey guys,

    Brian Monk would like some pollen from my Odm. Margaret Holm 'Alpine.' I haven't collected pollen before and was wondering what I should do with the pollina? Does it need to be kept sterile? Or can I just toss it into a baggie and stick it in an envelope to mail?

    Thanks,
    Julie

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Rollinsford, NH
    Posts
    475

    Default Pollen collection

    Quote Originally Posted by Piper
    Hey guys,

    Brian Monk would like some pollen from my Odm. Margaret Holm 'Alpine.' I haven't collected pollen before and was wondering what I should do with the pollina? Does it need to be kept sterile? Or can I just toss it into a baggie and stick it in an envelope to mail?

    Thanks,
    Julie
    Well, I don't know about the mailing of it part, but when I collect it, I make little envelopes out of rice paper (the kind in art supply stores). If moisture is a real concern, I use one of those little packets of sodium silicate to keep things fairly dry. I don't know if sterile conditions are necessarily a requirement, I guess though the introduction of mildews and molds could become an issue, especially in something like a zip lock bag, but I could be wrong.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
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    Massachusetts
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    Default

    Thanks! Rice paper, or something along those lines makes sense. Thanks, ATester!

    Julie

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
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    Ft. Lauderdale, FLA
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    Default

    Julie,

    I use wax paper, and make jeweler's envelopes by folding them into thirds both length - and cross-wise. You don't even have to tape them shut. I store tem in my 'fridge in plastic zip-locks. I haven't had a mold issue (yet....knock wood).

    Mailing the pollen should be as simple as putting it into an envelope.

    And THANK YOU for the pollen!!!!

    Brian Monk, DVM
    Ft.Lauderdale, FL

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Massachusetts
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    Default

    Hi Brian,

    Yea, waxed paper was what I was thinking! Is there a best time to collect the pollen? Should I wait till the little caps fall off the pollinia, or should I remove them myself?

    Julie

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
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    Ft. Lauderdale, FLA
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    Default

    I remove the pollen at any time. I don't wait, but you can arves pollen from almost dead flowers.

    Brian

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
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    Massachusetts
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    Default

    Ok - They're all still good and healthy and most have their radiator caps in place.

    Are you willing to share what you'll be crossing this with, or is it a secret?

    (As in, if you told me, you'd then have to kill me...of course you should wait till you receive the pollen...)

    Julie

  8. #8
    Real Name
    Bruce Brown
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    Cattleyas & Slippers
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    Mar 2003
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    Default

    Hey Julie, just remember that once you take the pollen, that bloom will die away rather fast. We have taken pollen and stuck it in on a toothpick in those tiny zip bags and people have been successful with it. Hope Brian makes something cool with your donation!

    Cheers!
    BD

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Massachusetts
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    Default

    Thanks, BD!

    That was just the info I sought! I'd rather not croak those lovely blooms till they're about ready to on their own.

    Julie

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
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    Ft. Lauderdale, FLA
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    E be honest, I don't know what I'm going to cross it with yet...LOL! But the plant is vigorous enough to be used as a pot-plant, and it seems to be a reliable and abundant blooer with striking floral presentation and floriferousness. Not to mention it's really pretty!! I'd like to mix it with Brassia or a Brazilian Miltonia, to increase it's warmth-tolerance.

    Brian

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