Very Easy Sterilisation Method - My Seedlings

[PeterP]

An alternative way of using gaseous chlorine---opening and closing the medium jars inside a transparent ziplock bag and adding HCL to the bleach so that chlorine gas is released inside the bags---and therefore with much less risk of contamination is described here. Also read the comments where some extra details are described such as turning upside down the jar inside the bag to let the chlorine gas flow out:

[Afid]

Originally Posted by PeterP

An alternative way of using gaseous chlorine---opening and closing the medium jars inside a transparent ziplock bag and adding HCL to the bleach so that chlorine gas is released inside the bags---and therefore with much less risk of contamination is described here. Also read the comments where some extra details are described such as turning upside down the jar inside the bag to let the chlorine gas flow out:

A word of caution about this method: Chlorine Gas is VERY toxic and can be highly dangerous even in small amounts. Be extremely careful with it.

[Tcc85]

Hmm, interesting. However I couldn't find anything in the comments about turning the jars upside down to release the chlorine? I imagine its heavier than air so it just flows out. But since the volume of the bag is finite I don't see that really working very well. There would still be too much chlorine inside the jar.
I have 2 pods ripening any week now so maybe I'll give that a try!

Anyone else tried this? What are your experiences?

[Mr.Fakename]

Honestly, just don't try chlorine gas. Sowing seeds isn't worth risking death or permanent invalidity.

If you choose the "green pod" technique, seeds are sterile and you only need to throw the capsule in bleach.

If you prefer collecting the dry seeds, dilute bleach/hydrogen peroxide will do the trick.

If you need more info I can send you a bunch of resources!

[Dusty Ol' Man]

I work in the petroleum industry. Chlorine, in various forms, is part of my experience. Unless you have very specific training in the safe handling of chlorine, and its gaseous state in particular, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! Chlorine gas in very small amounts can cause irreparable lung damage. Excuse the graphic, but it will cause your lungs to fill with fluid and you will drown. Hazmat teams use fully encapsulating chemical suits when dealing with it. Don't put yourself at risk unnecessarily.

[Tcc85]

Thanks for the warning guys. I've tried to work with unopened seed pods before, but I was working at home, over the steam and I had to chuck everything away eventually because of the contamination. That's why I thought of using this method.

I guess I'll just try and use one of the laminar flow cabinets at work. Hope my boss doesn't catch me!

Any tip as to how to prevent later contamination of jars? How do you close yours? I was thinking of wrapping the lids with parafilm or similar.

[Mr.Fakename]

I use a mix of cling wrap, 3M micropore tape or nothing at all depending on what I have on hand.

That thread is a (old) sticky, maybe you should start a new one with the rest of your questions!

[Juan Aguiar]

Greetings to all. This topic is old but I wanted to know if anyone has used this method successfully. and also if it is possible replate without the chlorine gases damaging the seedlings.

[Dorchid]

**** chlorine gas. (Redacted by Moderator) If you don’t have access to a flow hood you can work inside a still air box made from a Rubbermaid tub. Additionally, using plant protection mix in your media is super effective at preventing contamination, so much so that it’s reported that plating can be done in open air.

[Dorchid]

Sorry Roberta!

After reviewing the op, it’s an interesting protocol that doesn’t actively produce chlorine gas but I think surface sterilization of seeds with dilute bleach solution would seem to be more efficient and effective. As far as replating, the above still holds true.