HYB: seed germination experiments

A few observations to share from this year's burrito experiments:
IMM took 3 months of chilling for germination. But not 4 months in past experiments, presumably thanks to warmer fridge temperature than in the past.
HoM X (GOLDEN APPLE x CRYSTAL GLITTERS) split batch experiment - those put back in the fridge for more chilling had slightly higher percentage of seeds germinate than the batch taken out after 60 days, but not enough to be worth the extra time. These had already begun to germinate after 60 days of chilling, so normally, I wouldn't put those back in the fridge anyway. Inconclusive.
SELECT CIRCLE X BELVI QUEEN (Margie V's seeds) were dried first, soaked with water change for 3 or 4 days, refrigerated for 30 days, then kept at ~60oF for germination. 34 out of 39 have germinated, most within 2 weeks after moving to 60oF. Based on your observations, Chuck, plus what others have said about plics in general not needing as much chilling as other types of crosses, plus low chill requirement likely from CA bred SC, I decided to take a chance with these & try only 30 day chilling. Success! 

At least two crosses lost a high percentage of seeds to rot in burritos.
Chuck, you would probably blame that on lack of air, I'm inclined to blame it on poor breeding season, which seems to result in poor germination. Both points probably valid.
Experiment with higher fridge temperature did seem to result in shorter chilling time requirement, which meant I wound up losing too many seedlings to warm temperatures (i.e., damping off) & predation (slugs? crickets? not sure) - too early in the year to put them outdoors. So I am not sure what I will do next year - colder fridge, dry seeds first then soak, back to planting in perlite, some of each... 

Linda Mann
east TN

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