pollen viability question

[Dada]

hello everyone,

Is there an average period of time after the flower opens that the pollen is most viable? I'm wondering if the viability goes down after some time, and as a result using those pollinia may not result in a successful cross. Has there been any studies on this?

Thanks,

Dada

[Fairorchids]

On some plants, the pollen can dry out before the flowers fade (this process can be accelerated by environmental fluctuations, such as shipping the plant in bloom).

On the other hand, I have noticed that in some cases the stigma is not 'sticky' enough for the pollen to adhere, till the flowers are several days old (especially in the Vanda group).

[Jmbaum]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

On some plants, the pollen can dry out before the flowers fade (this process can be accelerated by environmental fluctuations, such as shipping the plant in bloom).

On the other hand, I have noticed that in some cases the stigma is not 'sticky' enough for the pollen to adhere, till the flowers are several days old (especially in the Vanda group).

This is a great reply Kim. Have you use a sugar solution to induce adherence?

[Fairorchids]

No. I just wait till flowers are ready.