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disinfecting seed

18 years ago

In my very brief seed sowing experience I have found out that the major difficulty is caused by the mold/fungus that will come with the seed, especially when sowing vriesea, guzmania, tillandsia.

Somewhere (I think it is Anwyl Bromeliads) I have learned that the seed can be soaked for five minutes in half diluted (50%!) household bleach. I thought it would be the end for the tiny vriesea seeds I had, but I have tried and got 100% germination on my V. saundersi. And no mold or fungus at all.

Any other hint on sterilizing the seed?

Tomas

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Comments (3)

hotdiggetydam
18 years ago
I use a diluted solution(10%) if I need to add water to the seeds until they sprout
moegreen
18 years ago
Couple of books Ive read on micropropogation recommend 20% dilluted bleach. Ive found it disinfects the seeds really well too. I think 50% might be a little too much bleach, but you go with what works for you.

Remember to also sterilize your container and soil. Microwave oven is a great autoclave. I usally nuke the the peat in the closed container for about 45 seconds. Let it cool off before you sow your seeds.

Wahlaa!! No more fungus.
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hotdiggetydam
18 years ago
Be aware that bleach will leave salt deposits in you growing medium...use it sparingly

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