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Geophyte discussions => General Discussion => Topic started by: illahe on February 22, 2023, 01:55:14 PM

Title: Asphodelus acaulis pollen?
Post by: illahe on February 22, 2023, 01:55:14 PM
Hello, 

Does anyone grow Asphodelus acaulis that sets seed? I have a division that is flowering nicely originally from Jane McGary. It doesn't set seed, despite a few attempts at hand pollination, even resorting to a cut stump treatment of the style. The clone I have seems to dehisce very little pollen, as if it never matures. 

If anyone has a flowering specimen and is willing to send some pollen I have bulbs to trade!

Mark Akimoff
illahe rare plants
Salem, OregonIMG_9836[1].jpg
Title: Re: Asphodelus acaulis pollen?
Post by: Carlos on February 22, 2023, 01:59:48 PM
Hi, I know a person in France, but we might be late... I will ask him.

Carlos
Title: Re: Asphodelus acaulis pollen?
Post by: Uli on February 22, 2023, 04:03:38 PM
Bert Zaalberg from Massonia.com grows it and has the same problem. 
Title: Re: Asphodelus acaulis pollen?
Post by: Carlos on February 23, 2023, 07:23:58 AM
Hi, I am asking Bert. The problem is for how long are the plants in bloom... If you email me with your adress I will give you Bert's so you can swap pollen. I would then ask Bert for some seeds.

carlesjbox (at) gmail.com

Carlos
Title: Re: Asphodelus acaulis pollen?
Post by: illahe on February 23, 2023, 07:43:57 AM
Thanks Carlos, DM sent. This plant has quite a few flowers on it so I have a little time, even if I could get some and potentially freeze it for next year it's worth a try! I need to get seed on this. 

Uli, I'll look up massonia!

Thanks,

Mark
Title: Re: Asphodelus acaulis pollen?
Post by: illahe on February 26, 2023, 08:31:16 AM

Along these lines, has anyone on here played with Gibberellic Acid to overcome self incompatibility? I've been meaning to try some for dormant seeds, just wondered if anyone has experience with it in the pollinating game?

Thanks,

Mark
Title: Re: Asphodelus acaulis pollen?
Post by: Uli on February 27, 2023, 01:05:05 AM
No, not with gibberelic acid. But in some genera (Hippeastrum and Albuca) I had success with microwaved pollen. The instructions are here: https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Microwave
It did so far not work with Aloe pollen.
Uli 
Title: Re: Asphodelus acaulis pollen?
Post by: illahe on February 27, 2023, 10:07:38 AM
Thanks Uli!

I'm going to give the microwave idea a try and also have some gibberellic acid coming to give that a shot as well. I'll report back any findings.

Mark