JARS v48n3 - Pollen Collecting and Applying with a Plastic Straw

Pollen Collecting and Applying with a Plastic Straw
Marc Colombel
Fouesnant, France

Marc Colombel sent the following tip to the Journal. He sends and receives rhododendron pollen using a plastic straw, as shown below. He also uses the straw to isolate the pistil from unwanted pollen, slipping the pistil inside the plastic straw while removing the unwanted stamens. If the stigma is not yet receptive, the straw can remain on for a few days and pollen applied as often as wished. The end of the straw is closed using a piece of micro porous sticking plaster.