is this a seed pod?

[Jerry Delaney]

If you caught it just after it split, it may not be too contaminated. You might try 3% hydrogen peroxide for 15-20 minutes. Nice thing about using this is that you do not have to wash the seeds after sterilization since it will break down into water. If it is heavily contaminated, this may not do the job and you may have to resort to something like calcium hypochlorite or bleach.