Pictures from the Tomato Nursery...

[flgatorguy87]

I probably need an anatomy lesson on tomatoes, but isn't the pollen just dropping out onto the ground?

[Spartanburg123]

Ginny- agree totally! And thanks for the video.

There is a sticky substance on the end of the stigma that will catch the pollen as it falls from inside the anther cone. I look for two things before buzzing- are the yellow petals of the flower bent back around the sepals? And is the anther cone bright yellow? If you buzz the blossom and the pollen falls out the cone like smoke, then you're golden! The "smoke" will pass right by the sticky end of the stigma and many pollen grains will be trapped there. If the pollen falls out in clumps, or large particles, then it is likely too humid and the pollen grains are wet with moisture.

This is important this spring as we have no bees at all. Thus far, for instance, on my Black Krim, I am 10 for 10 for fruit set! On my Omar's Lebanese, 5 for 5.

Below are a few pics of how I buzz my blossoms with the toothbrush. Don't ever let pollen fall on your brush, or you could be making a cross!

[flgatorguy87]

Ah that makes sense. Does it work to tap the stem?

[Starlight]

I am so glad you posted the pics of how you use the toothbrush. I would have used it the wrong way for sure.

Thanks for the pics as I have dial up and old computer and I can't see youtube and them places.

Dollar store for me tomorrow too. : )

[Spartanburg123]

Yes, you can tap the stem, or shake the plant, anything to vibrate the pollen loose. The toothbrush just simulates the buzzing of a bee.