Hand pollination

I’m really i’m really looking forward to some tutorials on hand pollinating for next season. Something I really want to try. I suppose I’m going to have to get some male figs. Wouldn’t even know where to start
 
I want to try it again but using a different method.
Not sure what gauge my needle is...it's a larger one though.
Amy works at a medical supply distribution warehouse...I can get any size that's best.
The water method yielded about 50% success, but that is probably operator error.
I will try again.....at some point.
 
ktrain said:
I want to try it again but using a different method.
Not sure what gauge my needle is...it's a larger one though.
Amy works at a medical supply distribution warehouse...I can get any size that's best.
The water method yielded about 50% success, but that is probably operator error.
I will try again.....at some point.
Click to expand...
You could always try the needle and thread method. :)
 
TorontoJoe said:
Needed and thread method?
Click to expand...
Yes. It is one of the older methods that many still use. You take a piece of thread, Run it through the eye of a needle. Dust the thread with pollen and stick it in the fig. I like poking a hole first to make it easier and I also twist the needle after it has been inserted. I feel twisting it helps get pollen all the way around the inside of the fig.
 
Figgerlickinggood said:
The Millennial Gardener posted his hand pollination results. Looks good.
Click to expand...

GoodFriendMike said:
Yes. It is one of the older methods that many still use. You take a piece of thread, Run it through the eye of a needle. Dust the thread with pollen and stick it in the fig. I like poking a hole first to make it easier and I also twist the needle after it has been inserted. I feel twisting it helps get pollen all the way around the inside of the fig.
Click to expand...
So the needle with the thread on it is pulled through the male fig to collect pollen… Pollen is deposited on the thread, and then that needle is pulled through the female fig where the pollen is transferred from the thread to the interior?
 
TorontoJoe said:
So the needle with the thread on it is pulled through the male fig to collect pollen… Pollen is deposited on the thread, and then that needle is pulled through the female fig where the pollen is transferred from the thread to the interior?
Click to expand...
I cut the profichi in half and thump it to get the pollen to release. I use a piece of wax paper to catch the pollen. Then take the needle with the thread ran thru it. And dip the thread in the pollen. Rub it around to try and coat the thread. No water needed.
 
Then insert the needle into the eye and push it right through while twisting?

Two questions

You said “it’s one of the older methods that people still use”. Is there a reason they would now be favouring other methods?

Since the thread is going straight through… Is it safe to assume that only those flowers on the path of the thread would get pollinated?… Or could you do multiple passes in different directions? Or is this the reason some opt to use a liquid solution?
 
TorontoJoe said:
Then insert the needle into the eye and push it right through while twisting?

Two questions

You said “it’s one of the older methods that people still use”. Is there a reason they would now be favouring other methods?

Since the thread is going straight through… Is it safe to assume that only those flowers on the path of the thread would get pollinated?… Or could you do multiple passes in different directions? Or is this the reason some opt to use a liquid solution?
Click to expand...
Then I do a starter hole but it is not required. I do it because it is easier to insert the needle after and I feel you save some of the pollen that way. Once the needle and thread are fully inserted I twist to make sure I pollinate as many flowers as possible. No matter what method you use there are pros and cons. I am unsure why everyone is now using the syringe method. Thinking about it. Many video's of fig famous people using that method. So maybe that is why. The syringe method is also much faster if you are pollinating many figs.
 
But there is a right time to do the water method....to early and there is no room in the fig and it's difficult to get the needle in there.
So you start doing it while the fig begins to swell?.....Or is that too late?
 
GoodFriendMike said:
I cut the profichi in half and thump it to get the pollen to release. I use a piece of wax paper to catch the pollen. Then take the needle with the thread ran thru it. And dip the thread in the pollen. Rub it around to try and coat the thread. No water needed.
Click to expand...
Are there any videos or articles with images that explain in detail how to use thread and needles?
 
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