I’ve gotta method I’m not certain too many others are using. Collected some this morning - I’ve been using this method for a few seasons now. Allows me to collect as much as required and then use it/ store it in a controlled fashion.
Identify your males and separate before any pollen is released ( with the proper males and a watchful eye this can be done just up to the last day/days before release) - then depending on your setup or you can either continue flowering else where or cut a mature cluster of pollen sacks before they release. This season I brought the almost mature males outside about 500 ft away In a shed for a light dep. ran about a week and they started opening: took the top cola - and then disposed of the rest of the plant.
Placing a cut branch of unreleased pollen in a glass of water does not require the proper lighting to complete their opening process. I place a male cutting on a glass of water at an angle over a piece of tinfoil. I’ve waited up to 3 weeks for a full release of pollen depending on maturity at time of cut. Place in a separate building or ‘secure’ location for pollen drop.
I’ve attached the photos from this morning to give a better idea.
I’ve found this method to be the most effective when wanting to dust lowers with multiple crosses in a season as well as using pollen at a later date.
After pollen is dropping I begin gathering with a q tip (scored with knife to rough up the cotton). If I have multiple male cuttings in a room I do not collect from the tinfoil direct - rather make several collections by tapping the qtip under the open pollen sacks releasing the pollen directly onto the cotton.
I have vials with a bit of rice at the bottom. I gently place the pollen laden qtips here and place in a dark cool place - I’ve had little luck with freezing pollen because I find once the container is opened moisture finds a way to ruin the lot. This is why I use multiple qtips, only using one for one dusting one one plant - then tossing it.
I didn’t find anything in my brief search. If it’s already been shared my bad… but if it is helpful or useful for someone who wants to keep a ‘part of a male’ around for crossing. This is an excellent solution.
