Lauren
February 21, 2025, 1:20pm
1
I did four pots. Seeds were sterilized by a vinegar bath.
Sterilized seeds, potting soil
Sterilized seeds, mix of potting soil and clay loam
Standard seeds, potting soil
Standard seeds, mixed soil
All the sterilized seeds have fungus on them. None germinated. Unknown whether those few minutes in vinegar killed the seeds. It’s possible.
Standard seeds in mixed soil were the first to germinate and have a 100% germination rate.
Standard seeds in potting soil have a 50% germination rate after one week.
I will water the remaining plants from the bottom with the same water. Differences from this point could be because of the soil itself.
Edit: the control (4 seeds in a plastic bag) had 50% germination, with one seed rotting and one not yet sprouted.
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markwkidd
February 21, 2025, 4:04pm
2
I really appreciate projects like this. Thank you, I will be keeping an eye on the thread.
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Lauren
April 4, 2025, 3:47pm
3
Results inconclusive. 100% germination on the 8 remaining seeds.
Seeds in mixed soil were the first to come up. They also seem slightly more drought tolerant. Leaves are considerably smaller. They have less overall root mass but it looks longer and overall healthier. One died as a seedling and never put out secondary leaves.
The seeds in the potting soil are more consistent, more uniform size and shape. Root mass is concentrated rather than diffuse.
All of these differences could be the result of things other than endophytes. Soil structure, nutrients, water holding capacity.
Out to plant them in the rain!
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