Why do my seeds look different?

[Father'sDaughter]

While I won't be growing all of the same tomatoes next year, I am saving seeds from the early fruit of each variety using the fermentation technique. I've started noticing that with some, the seeds I'm saving look much different from the ones I purchased. Anyone know why this would be? Different processing techniques? Difference in fruit ripeness? I hope it doesn't mean there may have been a cross!

For example, on the left are the Virginia Sweets seeds I received from a vendor, and on the right are the ones I saved. The vendor seeds are smaller and smooth, whereas my saved seeds are larger, flatter, and "fuzzy.".

[JimM_SC]

Commercial seeds are often treated with hot water or chemicals to reduce pathogens. That results in a smoother surface. Nothing to be concerned about IMO.
Jim

[carolyn137]

Originally Posted by JimM_SC

Commercial seeds are often treated with hot water or chemicals to reduce pathogens. That results in a smoother surface. Nothing to be concerned about IMO.
Jim

Jim, hot water treatment for certain bacterial pathogens which are in the endosperm of the seed are only done on request b'c it's not easy to do and if not done right seed viability can go way down.

Yes, comemrcial producers of seeds, I don't mean most of the family owned sites that many of us know about, can use acid extraction or ferementation, but the most widely used chemical is TSP b'c it's known to inactivate TMV, but such treated seeds are indeed smaller than usual BUT are also darker than usual.

I think it really depends on where you get your seeds from commercially and where they get their seeds from as well.

AS long as germination percentages are the same for a given variety, either home saved or as purchased, I don't think it makes that much difference as to the size and fluffiness of seeds although I have to admit I prefer the fluffy beige home saved seeds.