QuestionHi... I'd like to know how can I pollinate my phals... I study entomology in Tehran's university of agriculture but have no idea about reproductive organs in phals... just cant find the male/female parts... I'm interested in this method of propagation because I have access to every kind of sterilizing stuff in our mycology lab... plus some years of lab work experience (sterilizing media for mycology)...
AnswerMonsen, thanks for your question. The orchid flower has a very different reproductive morphology than other plants and it is that morphology that is the defining nature of orchids. You want to focus and a structure in the center of the flower called the column. It merges the anther, stamen and stigma into a single structure. This structure is somewhat cylindrical in shape. The "anther" is at the tip of the column and contains a cap and a defined number of pollinia which contain the pollen. If you use a tooth pick or similar implement and lift off the anther cap, the pollinia will be adhered to it and come out of the column. The number of pollinia differs among the major groups of orchids. On this same column there is a sterile structure called the rostelllum. This separates the anther from the stigmatic surface. The stigmata surface is the female portion of the flower. Separate the pollinia from the nather cap. These pollen masses have a sticky end. Using a tooth pick, push the pollen mass against the sticky surface of the stigma so it adheres. Do this with all of the pollen masses (ie pollinia). You may need to practice this. In a few weeks, if you have been successful, the portion of the pedicle to which the flower is attached will begin to swell and a seed capsule will develop. For phalaenopsis, it will take 3-6 months for this capsule to mature before it will begin to open and the seed can be harvested. Growing seed in sterile culture is a a separate topic and too involved to discuss at this time. Let me know how you are coming with the first phase of artificiaal pollination.
