refrigerated banana seeds
 

Since I have started to set up several areas for germinating banana seeds, I figured I might as well add several more species to the list. One supplier I have talked to, has refrigerating their ensete seeds. I was under the impression that this would kill the seed. Am I wrong?

Re: refrigerated banana seeds
 

After spending way to much time on google :2738:
I found this paper on banana seed germination and storage.
"Germination and storage of banana seeds" by Chin, HF.,1996

His conclusion:
Banana seed dried properly can be stored at below freezing temps.
If the moisture content on the seed is below 10% they can even be stored in liquid nitrogen for 12 months, with 44% of the seed still germinating. All seeds stored with a moisture content of 16% and 29% failed to germinate after 3 month storage at the -196C temps. At 6 months he still had 65% and 58% germination with seeds containing 10% and 16% moisture, while seeds with 29% moisture were 0% at 6 months.

He also said with the proper drying banana seeds can remain viable for 2 years. And I read somewhere that ensete seed have remain viable for 25years in the ground before the dirt was disturbed and germination took place!

It was also noted that seed viability can be tested using a 0.5% solution of tetrazolium chloride. The seed embryo will stain red in viable seed.

Re: refrigerated banana seeds
 

Most seed will keep longer if it's refrigerated, but not frozen. A lot of greenhouse growers buy larger packets of seed because it's cheaper, then keep a special seed refrig to keep them all in. I've got one. The germination rates seem to be nearly the same as fresh on "regular" seeds, petunias, pansies, tomatoes, beans, etc. A lot of perennial plant seeds will actually germinate better if stored at 38-40 degrees for 5-6 months, and then planted.
Didn't know about bananas though.
Cool info!

Re: refrigerated banana seeds
 

Well, take a look at this!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svalbard_Global_Seed_Vault

Re: refrigerated banana seeds
 

The Norwegian version of the Ark of Noach, those things make life more
fun. It will be handy as we are also able to clone people who can eat it after doomsday.

Just kidding, Erlend, I think its not a bad idea, hope we don't need it.



Ron