REDUCING POLLEN MOISTURE SIMPLIFIES LONG-TERM STORAGE OF PECAN POLLEN

Pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] pollen was stored under reduced moisture conditions to determine if pollen viability could be maintained for long periods at either 23, 5, or - 12C. Pecan pollen was ovendried at 35C to a constant weight and stored in moisture-proof bags. Pollen maintained at - 12C for 2 years was as viable as freshly collected pollen. The duration of viability at 5C was at least 2 months. Even at 23C, viability was detectable for 1 month, but at a greatly reduced level. Provided precautions are taken to reduce pollen moisture before and during storage, long-term storage of pecan pollen can be easily accomplished with commonly available supplies and equipment.