can i cross pollinate grapes by hand ?

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by phillip, Sep 19, 2010.

  1. phillip

    phillip Member

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    i had the largest flowers on my 6 year old vines. we had an early spring, and havent seen any insects, even as of now, one honey bee this summer.

    i thought that i would have a 'bumper crop', but the clusters are sparse, and the fruit smaller than last year.

    could i use a soft brush to cross pollinate ?
     
  2. lorax

    lorax Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Absolutely.
     
  3. phillip

    phillip Member

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    any special technique..?
     
  4. lorax

    lorax Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Not really. I use a #6 round gold sable brush because it seems to be about the right size and softness. Brush over the flowers on one plant, then carefully (cup a hand under it) take it to the other flowers, and brush again.

    To pick up pollen, you'll want to hit the pistils (fairly obvious on grape flowers - they're around the edges and visibly charged with pollen), and to deposit pollen in the other flowers, you'll want to hit the stamen, which is smack in the center of the flower. That's it.
     
  5. phillip

    phillip Member

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    thank you very much...very helpful..!!
     

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