On Sat, 18 Oct 2014 11:55:43 +0100, Michael Bell wrote:

There is no Phyophthera on alder that I can see around where I live
(Tyne and Wear) but to be extra sure I want to sterilise the seeds
before I stratify them and plant them out. I am told that hydrogen
peroxide is "the stuff". 6% solution is available in Sainsbury's as a
mouth wash (not for me, thank you!) but I want to take advice before I
do it. I don't want to kill the seeds!


Hi Michael,

I don't use hydrogen peroxide for seeds, but rather a few drops of
Bordeaux mixture in a 24 hour soak before stratification. So I don't
know the right answer, except to say that hydrogen peroxide at 6% seems
strong and might kill the seeds. I use 35% (diluted to 2.5 parts per
10,000) for root oxygenation. The 35% will take your skin off in a hurry!

Good luck with the germination,

-E
--
Gardening in Lower Normandy