What is the science to fermenting seeds?

[zeroma]

I'm sure this has been answered before, but what is the science behind why the tomato seed is best saved when allowed to ferment?

[Doug9345]

It removes the gel coat that has germination inhibitors in it and reduces the pathogen load that possibly is on the seed coat.
The latest thread is this one.
http://tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=29710
Post 8 and 9 has the most to say about your question.

[zeroma]

Thanks so much. Those were the kind of answers I was looking for and didn't have time to search.

[Cincinnati]

Originally Posted by Doug9345

It removes the gel coat that has germination inhibitors in it and reduces the pathogen load that possibly is on the seed coat..

I'm sure that this is well established. But I get a lot of volunteers springing up that are pathogen free.

I also heard about people washing their seeds. Is this a step after fermentation or in place of it to wash away the gel coat?

[Doug9345]

Step after usually.

[carolyn137]

Originally Posted by Doug9345

Step after usually.

And usually dilute bleach after the seeds are dry, but I've never felt the need for that and have never done it.

About pathogen free volunteers, please see the other thread in this Forum right next to this one where I posted about volunteers, etc.

Carolyn