Tomato seed treatments and their effects on disease/germination

[Heritage]

I am currently weighing/evaluating the options for various seed treatments to eliminate as many pathogens as possible in tomato seed. I am considering the purchase of a lab oven to treat seeds, but would appreciate any opinion on the following methods, especially the pathogens controlled by each method and the effect each treatment will have on germination, (for both short and long-term storage). Without going into the specific parameters of each treatment, these are the methods I am considering:

1. Fermentation

2. Fermentation + Clorox treatment

3. Fermentation + Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) treatment

4. Fermentation + Wet heat

5 Fermentation + Dry Heat

Thanks for your input!
Steve

[z_willus_d]

Steve, no answer from me here, just a question for clarity. In all scenarios above, you're referring to treating fresh seeds from fruit that you have produced, rather than dry seeds you've been given, correct?

Thanks for clarifying.
-naysen

[Paradajz]

did you know that out of the whole living universe there are only 2 living forms of organisms which can survive an entry into a beehive ( commonly known as ''bee plagues'' but not endangering tomatoes )?

use propolis tincture in a mixture with olive oil- after fermentation when seeds are dry, simply leave it in the mixture for half an hour and then re- dry again. if you did it right the seeds will be distinctively orange/brown.
not only that no villains can survive this but it will also be a vitamin feeding base for the plant's future start

p.s.
the only other thing close to propolis is the essential oil from Origanum vulgare, but you don't want this one- if you miss the amount it will kill the seed. with propolis on the other hand you can hardly miss with the amount
both are stronger antibiotics, antimycotics and antivirotics than any synthetic kind known to man.

[Chucker]

This is an experiment? You are going to try all of these methods and test the seeds afterwards? Or are you just looking for what people have has the best luck with?

I have had really good luck with Tom Wagner's method of TSP and bleach. I can't compare it to fermenting because I have never tried that. But you may want to consider adding another option for TSP + bleach. If you haven't seen it, you can find it on the forums here somewhere.

I've been using Tom's method since 2009 or 2010. The reason I like it is because it's always the same process. No guesswork. Easy. This year, I used seeds from 2010 and they were great, so they last at least 3 years with the TSP/bleach method

[Heritage]

Thanks for the comments.

Naysen, this would be for all of my tomato seeds, those I receive from others and seeds I sell/trade to others.

Ivan, I will have to research this further. Do you have an exact formula. And, does this treatment penetrate the seed coat? Also would the olive oil on the finished seed leech onto paper seed packets making them aesthetically unattractive?

Chucker, do you have any problems with germination % using the TSP/bleach combination?

Steve

[z_willus_d]

Gotcha,

Thanks for clarifying. I would sleep better knowing any seeds I've received are guaranteed (more or less) not to carry with them more than I bargained for with them.

Good idea.
-naysen

[Chucker]

Originally Posted by Heritage

Thanks for the comments.

Chucker, do you have any problems with germination % using the TSP/bleach combination?

Steve

I have much better germination with my saved seeds than many of the seeds I buy elsewhere. It's very close to 100%, but that's not really scientific since I only start a few of each variety each year. I think there are probably more factors than just treatments that help with my saved seed germination, like I only save from ripe fruit. I know that commercial seed sources probably don't have the luxury of saving from only the most ripe best fruit, so I assume their germination percentages go down a little because of that.

Just wanted to add that I'm not an expert on seed saving at all. I've only been growing tomatoes since 2009, and found Tom's method on the forum and used it. On a really small scale with a really small sample size it has worked great for me.

[Heritage]

Originally Posted by Chucker

I have much better germination with my saved seeds than many of the seeds I buy elsewhere. It's very close to 100%, but that's not really scientific since I only start a few of each variety each year. I think there are probably more factors than just treatments that help with my saved seed germination, like I only save from ripe fruit. I know that commercial seed sources probably don't have the luxury of saving from only the most ripe best fruit, so I assume their germination percentages go down a little because of that.

Just wanted to add that I'm not an expert on seed saving at all. I've only been growing tomatoes since 2009, and found Tom's method on the forum and used it. On a really small scale with a really small sample size it has worked great for me.

I appreciate the valuable feedback on Tom's method, I'll add it to my list of considerations. It's good to know it is more user friendly than I imagined, and the process didn't affect your germination rates after 3 years. Also, if I remember right, TSP deactivates TMV virus, which is a nice bonus.

Steve

[Barbee]

I use #2.
I used to use #1 but just feel a little safer (in my head) using the bleach rinse. I have always had good germination rates and do use ripe tomatoes for saved seeds.
I also love the look of the fermented seeds. All nice and fuzzy

[Heritage]

Originally Posted by Barbee

I use #2.
I used to use #1 but just feel a little safer (in my head) using the bleach rinse. I have always had good germination rates and do use ripe tomatoes for saved seeds.
I also love the look of the fermented seeds. All nice and fuzzy

Thanks, Barbee. What dilution of bleach do you use, for how long, and what is the longest time you have stored treated seed and still had a good germination rate?

Steve

[ChrisK]

Not considering the Oxyclean method w/ or w/o bleach?

I use it and it works great. 100% germ. but I have no data on disease effect.

[Master_Gardener]

Originally Posted by Heritage

Thanks, Barbee. What dilution of bleach do you use, for how long, and what is the longest time you have stored treated seed and still had a good germination rate?

Steve

Barbee. When you answer the above question, could you also say a word or two about your preferred longer term seed storage method?

Thanks,

Russel

[Barbee]

Originally Posted by Heritage

Thanks, Barbee. What dilution of bleach do you use, for how long, and what is the longest time you have stored treated seed and still had a good germination rate?

Steve

I just do a final bleach rinse using 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Swirl the seeds in there for approximately 2 mins. then rinse well, and dry. I sent quite a bit of seed this year that was 5 years old while everyone didn't give me their germination results, the ones who did were in the 95% or better range.

I store my seed in brown coin envelopes in shoe boxes. Hi Tech

[Heritage]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

Not considering the Oxyclean method w/ or w/o bleach?

I use it and it works great. 100% germ. but I have no data on disease effect.

Chris, I almost added that method except I'm so familiar with fermentation that I decided to keep it as my method for removing the gel, and then supplement with additional disease eradication methods. From what I've heard, the Oxy method works well for many people and should be a good first step, comparable to fermentation. I am especially interested in eliminating diseases in the endosperm or embryo, but am trying to decide if it justifies the cost of a lab oven, or is even practical. Thanks.

Steve

[Heritage]

Originally Posted by Barbee

I just do a final bleach rinse using 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Swirl the seeds in there for approximately 2 mins. then rinse well, and dry. I sent quite a bit of seed this year that was 5 years old while everyone didn't give me their germination results, the ones who did were in the 95% or better range.

I store my seed in brown coin envelopes in shoe boxes. Hi Tech

Thanks Barbee. We use similar seed storage methods