Auxin Posted May 12, 2002 Does anyone have information on the storage of pollen samples? Specifically I want to prepare samples of experimental Capsicum and corn pollen for long-term storage. I figured I would desiccate them over SiO2 or CaSO4 at 20 C, then store 'em at 5 C in the dark with a MgSO4 desiccant capsule to keep 'em dry. Any idea about shelf-life or better procedures? Can dessicated pollen be stored at -15 C and stay viable? Pollen must remain viable for AT LEAST four months, preferably one year or MORE. Will controlled rehydration be required before use? (Constant 81% humidity is cheap and easy, others can be done too though.) Items such as P2O5, vacuum desiccators, and cryogenic equiptment are not an option, I wish they were (Donations welcome). Thanks in advance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darklight Posted May 13, 2002 There was a thread about pollen storage on the plantTC archives http://www.agro.agri.umn.edu/plant-tc/list...v/ptcsearch.htm It can be a bit of a pain to search, but as both it and the list is run by a volunteer and its such a valuable facility there's no real grounds for complaint From memory the discussion focussed on pome fruit pollen rather than on annuals but it was a long thread and covered a bit of ground. I thought I'd stored it on my hard drive but can't find it at a glance There is also a wealth of info out there on Cannabis pollen storage, as an annual ( or biennial in some instances ) which might be of assistance. Those protocols described were undertaken in domestic situations with minimal equipment and might be more suitable for your circumstances. Can you do at least a ref search on infotrieve or something, even if you can't source the funds for the document itself? There's *bound* to be something on corn, surely. But your protocol sounds correct, according to my recollection of the discussion. Dehydration and storage in a moisture free environment should be sufficient, controlled rehydration shouldn't be necessary- but don't quote me too closely, I haven't tried this at home Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Auxin Posted May 13, 2002 Thanks Darklight, that's exactly what I was looking for. I can now breed 'bush corn' and new varieties of deadly hot peppers more effectively Mmmmm, central african-peruvian pepper hybrids- I can't wait! Just thinking about it makes my mouth burn and my brain sweat. Peace and long life to you and your kin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darklight Posted May 13, 2002 I know what you're up to Auxin my old mate, you're trying to breed peppercorn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
