Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackBear
so after heat treatment of 122f/50 C @25 minutes .........
one may possibly loose some seeds and possibly not all pathogens would be eradicated from inside the seed....but the resulting viable seeds from the process have a better start and chance in regards to disease ........as the fermentation and oxiclean methods would not remove the pathogens bourne inside the seed itself.
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Yes, the temperature was probably determined by trial and error more than
anything else, just giving seeds thermal treatments to just before a serious
viability issue developed.
It may be overwhelmingly effective for most problems. But take for example,
Tomato Mosaic Virus. For that one the recommended treatment is for a longer
period of time @ 158 F under dry conditions. Different thermal situation.
Heat treatments done properly I've heard is not supposed to have a negative
effect on the growth of the plant. I'm sure there are studies on this, but I
never read any. In our situation, though, when we swap seeds or deal with
small outfits, frequently old seed shows up. I suspect there is a negative
effect on the eventual plant or yield, but again, these are impressions and
really would need to be proven by experiment. Plus as long as the variety
produces we then start over with our fresh home-grown seeds next time,
so I consider it the cost of getting a new free variety.
