Pollen collecting for freezing, pollen will be good for years, needs to be collected fluffy and dry
Tubes are 1.5ML capped centrifuge tubes, cheapest I can find
cotton is crammed in the tubes about a 1/4 inch from the top, if it's loose it will fall out when using.
masking tape is wrapped around tube to write pollen parent ID
I usually use all 6 anthers of ripe pollen brushed off to cotton surface per one tube, there will excess pollen in the grooves that doesn't rub off for using fresh, if it takes more than one bloom so be it. DO NOT ADD ANTHERS!!
Freeze tubes after collection, tubes can be refroze after use but finish off the tube "same plant" before starting with another tube.
I have have success with 5 year old pollen, but I do try to rotate out every 2/3 years
Once the cotton turns hard "pistil fluid" discard or clean tubes for reuse, dry tube is a must.
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