Member discussion regarding the methods, varieties and merits of growing tomatoes.
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May 26, 2011 | #1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma
Posts: 664
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Pollen viability question
I have been using an electric toothbrush to vibrate and help pollinate my tomatoes. For the last two weeks I have held a small blue glass vial in front of the blossoms when I use the toothbrush. My vial is about one quarter full and airtight and I keep it in a zip-lock bag in the freezer.
By mid June the temps and humidity will be in the high 90s. I will still have blooming plants that will not pollinate because of weather. Can I hand pollinate some of the blossoms with the collected pollen? I do realize I cannot save seeds from any of these fruits if they develop, but they should be fine for eating and sharing with friends. Just trying to find a solution to the midsummer doldrums of no fruit set till September. I have no idea how long the pollen will keep and remain viable to use. I plan to use a small artist brush to touch each bright yellow flower as the open. I know it sounds strange but can it work? Anyone else ever attempted something like this? just curious ron |
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