Seed Germination experiment
 

My son and I did a seed germination experiment last Fall, and I wanted to share the data with the group here.
We grew out 10 seeds of 2 varieties in 2 different trays.
One variety was Cuostralee and the other was Orange Heirloom.
Both were varieties of seed that I have saved since 2003.


The table below shows data from the 2009 seed and later. Prior dated seed did not germinate.
I did not have saved seed for either variety in 2016 or 2017.


The data interestingly shows the longevity of my saved seeds is around 10 years for near total germination and rapidly drops off to 0 germination after 13 years.


I was surprised that the germination of 10 year old seed was still near 100%.
I was also surprised how quickly the seed lost viability after that time.



Let me know if you have any questions/comments about the data.


Lee





Seed....#.......#
Year.... Germ Planted Germination %
2023... 36.... 40...... 90.00%
2022... 20.... 20...... 100.00%
2021... 20.... 20...... 100.00%
2020... 20.... 20...... 100.00%
2019... 37.... 40...... 92.50%
2018... 38.... 40...... 95.00%
2015... 19.... 20...... 95.00%
2014... 35.... 40...... 87.50%
2013... 39.... 40...... 97.50%
2012... 29.... 40...... 72.50%
2011... 16.... 40...... 40.00%
2010... 6...... 20...... 30.00%
2009... 0...... 20...... 0.00%

What was your seed saving method? Same every year or different methods?

Greg

Gosh-that rapid drop off is very interesting! Make me want to go through my seeds now! :)

Beyond just germination, were the plants grown out? Did you note any difference in vigour as well?
KarenO

How were the seeds stored and in what were they stored?

Seed saving method:
Extract seed/juice from tomato into a small cup.
Let ferment for 3-4 days
Empty contents in sieve and rinse off with water.
Empty out onto plastic plate to dry for 3-4 days.
Label and store in glass vial or coin envelope.


Seed storage: Seeds were either stored in glass vials or coin envelopes in a room temp closet. Nothing special here.


Growouts: Experiment was conducted last October/November, so no growouts. The older 2012 seed did show weaker looking seedlings than the others, but I believe they would have still grown to successful maturity.
The 2010/2011 seed had excessive "helmet head" germination. However a few did continue to mature once the seed coat was carefully removed.


A followup experiment would be to see what methods would be most effective in "waking up" the older seed that did not germinate with the simple method used here.


I should also note that the 2 trays received different treatment. One tray was kept on a heat mat, the other was not. This did not have any measurable impact on germination %.


Lee

Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Well, I going to grow Pierce Natural Farm tomato seed sent to me, called "Joe's Portuguese", "Dwarf Red Heart", "Red Barn", Cherokee Line, they are almost 14 years Old. I will let you'll learn the germination experiment next month. Pray that I have good Results, Amen!!