Saving seeds - techniques
 

Yes, I'm aware that fermentation is the ubiquitous practice. But I ran across an article last year that uses kitchen cleanser, like Comet, to strip the goop off the seeds.

[url]http://www.wintersown.org/wseo1/Save_Tomato_Seed_Tutorial.html[/url]

Unfortunately, the link is dead. Web site is still there, but no documents.

Does anyone use this method? Details?

I use the fermentation method. I don't want to take a chance on spreading diseases.

I use Oxy Clean. Here's the link to the method: [url]http://settfest.feldoncentral.com/2009/01/saving-seeds/[/url]

I use a combo of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda works great in under an hour. Or i do like Container Ted and ferment in closed canning jars. Takes the stank and fruit fly's right out of the equation.

Oxi-Clean, eh? I actually have some of that.


heirloomtomaguy, what's the recipe?

[QUOTE=dmforcier;581132]Oxi-Clean, eh? I actually have some of that.


heirloomtomaguy, what's the recipe?[/QUOTE]
The Oxy Clean method is in Cole Robbie's link in post 3. Here is Ted Maiden's fermentation technique from Tatiana's Tomatobase: [URL="http://tatianastomatobase.com/wiki/A_Beginner%E2%80%99s_Guide_To_Saving_Tomato_Seeds_Using_Fermentation"]http://tatianastomatobase.com/wiki/A_Beginner%E2%80%99s_Guide_To_Saving_Tomato_Seeds_Using_Fermentation[/URL] It worked well for me.

Steve

HTG, could you remind me of the recipe for the peroxide/soda treatment?

I have a fruit I'm thinking to start seeds right away, but I figure I need to strip the gel off for them to germinate quicker. :?!?: It's a cherry size fruit, if that makes any difference to the amounts.

The Oxy Clean recipe is fairly forgiving. I don't even measure the powder; I just use a heaping kitchen spoon. I think the 1 tbsp/1 cup water & juice is about the maximum powder amount that can be dissolved in that much liquid.

Thanks. Your recipe was good. I was asking HTG about his.

Depending on the amount of seeds you are femrmenting the recipe will vary but for a small amount i use a a teaspoon of water, a cap full of hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of baking soda. I mix it in with the seed pulp and instantly it goes to work. If there is not enough juice the concoction with froth and some of the seeds will be out of the mix. Its only ever happened to me twice. Most the time i just eyeball my mix and add more as needed. Should be good and clean in an hour.

I just tried this, works EXCEPTIONALLY! :yes:

[QUOTE=heirloomtomaguy;581706]Depending on the amount of seeds you are femrmenting the recipe will vary but for a small amount i use a a teaspoon of water, a cap full of hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of baking soda. I mix it in with the seed pulp and instantly it goes to work. If there is not enough juice the concoction with froth and some of the seeds will be out of the mix. Its only ever happened to me twice. Most the time i just eyeball my mix and add more as needed. Should be good and clean in an hour.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, HTG I totally missed your reply and put the seeds to ferment yesterday. I might take them out though and just do it. Pretty sure I still have those ingredients. :)

I definitely want to try some of these methods on seeds in the future, it sounds a lot quicker than fermenting them. I can't imagine that fermentation would kill any more germs than peroxide or oxyclean, but you never know.

So does anyone know if by using either method of Oxy clean or peroxide/ baking soda

for 35-45 minutes reduces pathogens by a certain rate .......does extending the chemical treatment to 60 minutes exposure reduce a slight bit more of the less than 1 % outside seed coat pathogens left ?

or is 60 minutes "overkill' and risk of chemical damage to seeds can happen after that time of exposure /treatment.?

To me 60 minutes or even 120 minutes is still "tidy" compared to 3 days of fermentation ...in a limited space ...with many varieties to "treat".

I am still a big fan of a dream of "heat treatment" technique to treat inside pathogens as well

as outside ...but the Chemical treatment is the most likely back up till the Tomato hobby gets
totally out of control......LOL

Does anyone know ?....if grandma gives you a seed smudge on a napkin from a special plant extra rare heirloom (untreated ) ...... Is that seed "treatable" with chemicals after the fact of the seed smudge being dried out on the napkin ??? or.... Is it not to late to treat the seeds with mere outside Chemical or fermentation treatments ...
even though they are rare and special ??? You really must be aware you are taking your chances ...with the seed as it was not actually treated...it is a smudge on knapkin!