Nicotiana Project

[johnlee1933]

Awesome acquisition!! Preserving diversity like this begins to give me hope for the future. Addressing freezer versus refrigerator for seed preservation: I have observed germination results from my vegetable seeds stored both ways. I started attempting long term preservation about 10 years ago when i acquired a frost free deep freeze unit. The only differences I have noticed beyond the 5 year mark is that seeds stored low temperatures and humidity are 3 times more likely to germinate that the seeds I stored in my traditional dark sealed containers. I do notice a significant loss of viability using a deep freeze that I attribute to improper preservation(too much moisture in the seed). Overall refrigerator preservation in well sealed containers has worked the best for me. I live in suburbia and really like knowing my seed will last longer through my rotations and cover plantings.

You say you are using a frost free freezer. Perhaps the repeated "frost free" temp cycling is having an adverse effect? The consensus seems to be low humidity is key. Along with cool to freezing temps it permits long storage times.

 

[ashaggyone]

Nah, i posted that wrong, i hve to de-frost my deep freeze. I don't care for a defrost "cycle" that warms and cools my stuff.

 

[johnlee1933]

Nah, i posted that wrong, i hve to de-frost my deep freeze. I don't care for a defrost "cycle" that warms and cools my stuff.

I agree. Mine is one where I defrost it by hand once a year. I am careful to keep the stuff cold while I am doing it.