Seed saving- cross-pollination bags

BlackestKrim · January 28, 2010

I was reading about seed saving, and want to prevent cross-pollination from insects by covering the flowers with bags. I won't have the space for isolation and we have LOTS of pollinating bugs.

What material do yall recommend for this task?
Can leaving the bag on in wet weather allow fungus or mildew to infest the plant?

Thanks.

mjc · January 28, 2010

First, the bags only need to be on until the fruit sets...so it won't matter too much about 'wet'.

Second, some kind of net type bag, like the little tulle drawstring bags used for wedding favors and such are perfect for tomatoes and related crops. They also dry quickly, so another reason not to worry about 'wet'.

shatbox · January 28, 2010

I second MJC. The first time I tried isolating I followed directions in a book advising I use a paper bag. Well that didn't work - everything inside died.

dice · January 28, 2010

One place to get mesh bags online:

http://www.papermart.com/templates/09-3-20.htm

January 28, 2010	#1
BlackestKrim Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 147	Seed saving- cross-pollination bags I was reading about seed saving, and want to prevent cross-pollination from insects by covering the flowers with bags. I won't have the space for isolation and we have LOTS of pollinating bugs. What material do yall recommend for this task? Can leaving the bag on in wet weather allow fungus or mildew to infest the plant? Thanks.

January 28, 2010	#4
dice Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: PNW Posts: 4,743	One place to get mesh bags online: http://www.papermart.com/templates/09-3-20.htm __________________ -- alias

January 28, 2010	#2
mjc Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: WV Posts: 603	First, the bags only need to be on until the fruit sets...so it won't matter too much about 'wet'. Second, some kind of net type bag, like the little tulle drawstring bags used for wedding favors and such are perfect for tomatoes and related crops. They also dry quickly, so another reason not to worry about 'wet'.

January 28, 2010	#3
shatbox Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Los Angeles County, CA Posts: 258	I second MJC. The first time I tried isolating I followed directions in a book advising I use a paper bag. Well that didn't work - everything inside died.