centrifuge for analysing pollen

[user 1914]

Probably not 100% safe but I bought some of these -

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50x-0-5m...695409&hash=item2ce39e472d:g:nCkAAOSwZJBX~H1U

cut a can in half, put a bolt through the bottom, drilled four holes to fit the centrifuge tubes-just. Stuck the bolt in like a drill bit in my electric drill which I then put in my bench vice.

Ran it with a thick cardboard box over the top, it seemed to work reasonably well with no flyers yet!

Mmm... maybe too risky for me, and I don't have a decent vice anyway. But if it works for you, great.

 

[thedozzer]

I'd be interested to know more about the kit. Identifying pollen is not the easiest job in the world. Too many round ones and sausage shaped ones.

Its only the Brunel Microscopes pollen identification kit = http://www.brunelmicroscopes.co.uk/pollen.html

enough to get me started, as i got hold of a 2nd hand Lab microscope for silly money.

 

[Beefriendly]

Its only the Brunel Microscopes pollen identification kit = http://www.brunelmicroscopes.co.uk/pollen.html

enough to get me started, as i got hold of a 2nd hand Lab microscope for silly money.

Thanks.....I was hoping it was something new to assist in identification rather than preparation....oh well back to measure size and scratch head...

 

[For want of a better word]

Was nearly 20 years ago... I seem to remember Bath University,,, possibly Bristol? had a Pollen and diatom ID programe on a PC, seem to recall working with the Natural History museum and RHS Wisley, and also the seed bank and research facility at Kew identifying some pollens... and even seeds.

All academic.... but worth a search with some of these institutions for something you can not identify?

Chons da

 

[thedozzer]

Thanks.....I was hoping it was something new to assist in identification rather than preparation....oh well back to measure size and scratch head...

there is this = https://globalpollenproject.org/ but doesn't seem to have a lot of garden plants,

 

[For want of a better word]

there is this = https://globalpollenproject.org/ but doesn't seem to have a lot of garden plants,

Thanks for that... pity B*********y will not be able to see it as apparently she is scared to open any links !!!

But have no fear this one is safe for all to see... my Microsoft account said so!!!

 

[Beefriendly]

there is this = https://globalpollenproject.org/ but doesn't seem to have a lot of garden plants,

Thanks. this is the one I use, has just about everything including pictures and sizes of pollen grains.
It's a case of information overload and hard to search.
http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/pollen/

The Chandler/Rennison spread sheet on CD based on Sayers original pollen books is helpful as you can select different size ranges...which often gets you close. But it has the frustration of not being comprehensive enough.

The best way I'm finding is building up a library of local pollen at different times of the year. So you know what plant it is from.
But still my bees astound me....

 

[For want of a better word]

Garden plant pollens can be difficult.... especially with new hybrids and cultivars.

Bellis pendennis etc etc...

Enjoy your microscope!!