Sterile dry seeds methods

[netpumber]

Hello.

I am ready to sow some dry orchid seeds and as you know this, requires to sterile the seeds.

So i would like to know which methods do you use to disinfect your seeds.

Thank you.

[NatalieS]

Roby, one of the members here, posted this thread:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...y-seeding.html

His method is very, very, good. I have sterilised dry seed following his instructions several times now and the only contamination I got was from accidentally breaking the seal on a few of my containers.

[orchidsarefun]

someone needs to make this thread or Roby's a "sticky"
as the subject continually comes up.

[RosieC]

I've sent Roby a message about making is post a sticky. Just wanting to check he is OK with me changing the title to make it more obvious why it's a sticky.

[netpumber]

Thank you for your answer. Also i'm curious if anyone knows the method with syringe or any other and if he/she can describe it to us.

[NatalieS]

Excellent video here:

Orchid Seed Flasking - Part 3 (2011) - YouTube

[zxyqu]

The video Natalie posted is an excellent source and works quite well. One note of caution, is that some seeds are more delicate than others, and bleach will be an issue. You can use hydrogen peroxide as well for those that might be a little more "needy." I normally do 1/2 in hydrogen peroxide/soap solution, and the other 1/2 in bleach/soap solution, and follow the videos steps after that. Works like a charm, and ensures I dont lose all my seed.

[zxyqu]

As a side note. I'm also not a big fan of the bleach vapor sterilization. While there is evidence to show it works, I'm still a bit uneasy about how it's working. I'll be there is liquid diluted bleach on the top of the medium layer, and that is what's preventing any bacteria. I've also heard of some people trying this method only to get very poor germination, which I'd suspect is the bleach issue again. Just spend 30 bucks or so at a garage sale/eBay/etc, and get a pressure cooker.

[NatalieS]

Interesting zxygu! I always thought hydrogen peroxide was much stronger than house-hold bleach. I'm wondering if there's some confusion about the term 'bleach'. Sodium hypochlorite is the main active ingredient of house-hold bleach BUT house-hold bleach generally also contains sodium hydroxide. The sodium hydroxide delays the breakdown of sodium hypochlorite. I wish I knew more about this stuff, but that would tell me that house-hold bleach might act for longer on the seeds than say, Milton, which contains just sodium hypochlorite and becomes inactive much quicker.

[NatalieS]

Bulbophyllum orectopetalum protocorms after about 60 days, sown using vapour sterilisation. I used Milton, not house-hold bleach. I wish I had a better camera!