pollen bank

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merc

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I decided to start a pollen bank in the event my delusions of grandeur take hold of me and I decide to start crossing plants for kicks.

I found this article on creating your own pollen bank:
https://www.orchiddigest.org/wp-con...-ng-Your-Own-Pollen-Bank-Harold-Koopowitz.pdf
and this post on how to collect the pollen: (sadly the photos don't render for me)
https://www.slippertalk.com/threads/how-to-pollinate-your-paphs.1091/
I was wondering if storing in microcetrifuge tubes was ok?

These are what I purchased:
UoYu Microcentrifuge Tube with Snap Cap (1.5ml/50pcs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W6GN892/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9PKC0HJG9WVMAB8YYYW2

The article states it's possible to store pollen in either the fridge or freezer. We experience power outages often so fridge should probably be ruled out of the equation. I was thinking of going the freezer route since we have a chest freezer in the garage that will likely be more stable temperature-wise even if power goes out. Anyhow, I don't have a proper Thermos, but do have a spare one of these double-walled swag water bottles.

Good enough? Should I add those silica moisture absorbing pouches to the container?

CEF48245-CD57-48E5-A8FE-C96F2D5848B6.jpeg

Your input/insight is appreciated. Fingers crossed this little experiment works out. 🤞🏼
 
Scratch that! I went ahead and cancelled the microcetrifuge tubes since the article clearly states that plastic containers trap moisture. Picked up glycerin capsules instead, same as MK uses in the first link.
 
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ok pollen collected!

my armeni white and peppermint pollen samples were yellow-ish in color (pic of armeni white pollen below). the ice age pollen was darker, with a tinge of brown. is the difference in color to be expected or did i just collect rotten plant crud? 🤣

C1AA5788-99F3-48E6-BC14-EC37D1725673.jpeg
DABFD54C-E711-4098-9790-D3C8C97DC3C2.jpeg
 
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