Viable Seeds

[P.Bruggeman]

Ray,

You are absolutely right that some sinking seeds will still rot but the
viable seeds usually stay firm (hard) while the non-viable ones give in when
squeezed (or simply "explode" under the pressure). I only sow the firm seeds
that are really hard. When you soak the seeds long enough (48 hours) the
non-viable ones get soft but I am afraid no method is 100% safe.

Pascal

-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: Arisaema Enthusiast Group (AEG) Discussion List (and other hardy
Aroids) [mailto:ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL]Namens George R Stilwell, Jr.
Verzonden: zondag 24 september 2000 16:29
Aan: ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL
Onderwerp: Viable Seeds


Both Anne and Pascal have described viable seeds quite well. However,
"viable" only means
there's a good chance they will germinate, it's not a guarantee.

The detergent in Pascal's float test is a must because surface tension
will support viable
seeds as well as non-viable seeds if their surface is not fully wetted.
The detergent helps
this.

Even so, some sinking seeds can be infected and will rot rather than
germinate. I usually
do a quick dip in 10% chlorox followed by a rinse when I suspect the
possibility of contamination.
Sometimes it actually works, but often the contamination is internal and
the seed is beyond
saving.

Ray
GRSJr at Juno.com

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