Seed Sorting and Storing

Following collection and drying seed needs to be separated from pods/fruit etc. and stored in an air tight container.

Seed sorting can be very time consuming, though it is a great standby activity that anyone can participate in.

A code system can be used to give each batch of seed is given a unique identifier that is then used throughout the propagation and planting process. A code system reduces the amount of information that needs to be on labels and allows individual batches of seed or plants grown from a batch of seed to be located quickly.

Sorting

Use a clear work area that is out of the wind.

Empty dry plant material out of bag onto a sheet of paper.

Remove all material except for seed. For some species (e.g. Eucalypts, Melaleuca) a sieve may be used to speed up the process.

Make sure seed pods or capsules are empty of seed.

Select a suitable container to store the seed in (e.g. film canister for smaller amounts, jars for larger amounts).

Place seed in container, discard other plant material.

If a seed coding system is not being used label container with all information from the bag.

Store container in a suitable cabinet, preferably in alphabetical order to aid retrieval.

Code System

Our seed collection record folder has an index and entry page(s) for each seed species collected.

The index contains sequentially numbered blank boxes.

When seed is in a container after sorting record the species name in the next blank box in the index (this will be box 1 for your first batch of seed).

The number of the box becomes the code number for that batch of seed.

Each plant species has a record sheet. Find the sheet that applies to the species you have. Record the code number and all the information from the original collection bag i.e collection site, collection date, who identified the parent plant and who collected the seed. Record seed weight and/or amount if known or easily estimated.

Label the container with the code number, species name, collection date and collection location.

Store in seed cabinet in alphabetial order.

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