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POLLEN EXCHANGE PROJECT
donations and requests-update June 2011
Harris Howland and Alan Mitchell have been encouraging members to think seriously about Pollen Exchange in order to increase the setting of seed in reluctant or 'sterile' Lilies thereby increasing the conservation and production of species and interesting hybrids.
See Newsletters Spring 2009 p2-3, Autumn 2009 p2-3, Winter 2009 p2-3, Spring 2010 p4-5
Practical points:
The LG committee agreed to start from a small base of potential offers of pollen.
It is one thing to know you have a bulb but the plant may or may not flower. Thus the lists we have been collecting may not be matched by available pollen. It may be inconvenient to collect pollen at the optimum time (absence/rain/ too busy)
The timing even within the UK may prevent the requested pollen being available at the right moment. That issue is even more stretched across the equator though the European pollen would be ready ahead of the antipodean flowers and vice versa for different years.
However it can be collected in anticipation, preferably on the stamens, dried, folded in kitchen foil and stored in a refrigerator to await a request. The exchange could take place in anticipation of the intended flowering of the recipient. (Spring 2010 p4-5)
Results so far:
Interestingly the offers (50 species and a few hybrids) far outweighed the requests (Gardeners natural generosity or optimism?). Replies were mainly from UK but also from Holland, Canada, and Tasmania.
A few 'matched' exchanges have been arranged and others spontaneously arranged between knowledgeable individuals. But now we are trying to encourage further 'matches'?
So do please contact me with your 'wish list' or offer pollen donation either by post or email to: nualasterling@btinternet.com
Nuala Sterling, Vermont House, East Boldre, Hants SO42 7WX UK
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Preparing pollen for exchange
or donation
Some Lily Group members might have their own tried and tested method for collecting and preparing pollen, in which case you can ignore the following instructions. However, those members who are looking for a method, for collecting and preparing pollen prior to exchanging or donating the pollen should benefit from the following instructions.
1. When the flower first opens the anthers are closed - i.e. the pollen is not visible. The anthers then open (unfold) to expose the pollen. It is when the anthers are open that the pollen becomes suitable for transferring to the stigma of another lily or collecting for the pollen exchange.
2. On a still, dry day collect the pollen by using tweezers (which are easily cleaned) to remove the anthers
3. Use aluminium foil, cut into 100mm (4inch) squares, to collect the pollen-laden anthers
4. Place the anthers in the middle of the square of foil and leave them on a surface - in the house at normal room temperature - for 5 to 6 days
5. After 5 to 6 days make a parcel from the foil to enclose the anthers/pollen, label the parcel and send it to the person who requested the pollen or store in a domestic refrigerator for future use.
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