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Nova Scotia

I will not have many males (if any) when my female comes into heat. So what can I do to extend the longevity of my males? would tying off the male the day before it blooms and using it the day after it would have bloomed work. Or would putting the male in the fridge as soon as it blooms be better? Or would cutting the male off the night before it blooms and putting it in a glass of water in the fridge be best?

7/2/2008 8:47:16 PM

Fairport,NY

I have experimented with using more than day old Pollen in the refrgerator and have had success. I cut the flower the night before it is due to open, wrap the stem with damp paper towel and place into freezer style zip-lock baggie.Leave the baggie 1/2 open and place into high humidity storage drawer in bottom of refrigerator. The night before you are going to use it take it out of the refrigerator and place out on the kitchen table to help gradually dry the pollen grains over night. I have had a successful pollination with 4-day old pollen kept in this manner.
Good Luck
Bumkin

7/2/2008 10:22:19 PM

Salem, OR

Thanks for the good info. 4 days, huh? That's great

7/3/2008 12:34:27 AM

Nova Scotia

wow I never even hoped to get 4 day's. thanks Bumkin this is great

7/3/2008 6:13:34 AM

St. Thomas Ontario

It's been a while but if memory serves...dry your pollen out in a glass jar with desiccant paper. Get it dry boy, get it dry (the moisture will speed your breakdown) The moisture will also rupture pollen and make it non-viable if you try and freeze it. I was also thinking (but never tried)putting the dried pollen with dessicant paper in one of those 'green bags' that remove ethylene gas, just a theory but i bet that'll give you weeks of busy breeding with loads of perky pollen...If it doesn't work, oh well you were't gonna beat me anyway;) All the best!

7/3/2008 1:34:23 PM