freezing pollen

does anyone freeze pollen for later use? and if so how long can it go in the freezer before its bad? is there a proper way to process it before freezing it? do any seed banks offer pollen? any other info would also be greatly appreciated. =)

lol feezing... someone put me to bed...

Frozen pollen will last for several months, but it is not ideal to unthaw and refreeze it...so you can cut it with flour at 1part pollen, 10-100 parts flour. Before freezing the pollen sift it thru a small screen to catch any plant matter that fell off into pollen(or it will spoil it)then use wax paper to collect the pollen. You can then break it up into small packets to use for your breeding projects without having to dethaw all of it.

thanks numb the small packet idea is awsome... but at 1part to 10-100... that a little ambiguitus.

well if your going for a one shot pollenation of a plant...then I wouldnt worry about saving it. Although if your planning on using for breeding purposes, I would want to have it able to be used seperatly for multiple crosses with the particular male.

for some reason i thought it could all be put in one container put in the freezer and then when needed you get a small sample and use it. never thought of putting it in small packets though. yes it will be for genetic breeding.

forgot to say make sure to store in a air tight container. Good luck on the breeding project, Im hoping to start messing around with some this year as well.

numb said it perfectly...

the unthawing and trying to refreeze is bad...small packets good

Did he actually ask if seed banks sell pollen? Thats actually a great idea. I would love to buy some pollen from an auto AK47 and cross it with my diesel ryder.. Interesting idea..or am I just stoned?

yes i did ask if seed banks offered pollen. and no i havnt found any yet that do =(

put a dessicant pouch in bag or paper towel and you will be fine when freezing and thawing.

^^not a good idea.

Yes you can.If you want to know how to properly collect it, here is the ultimate guide. http://books.google....en storage&f=fa according to the info in the book _Numb_ was correct about the flour mixing thing.

Edited by marlajuana, 22 June 2012 - 03:39 AM.