Comparison of Technique for Eliminating Contaminants from Asparagus Seeds

Abstract

Abstract Thirteen seed treatments were compared to determine the optimal method to produce asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L. cv. Viking) seeds suitable for axenic culture. Treated seeds were examined for microbial contamination by culture on an agar medium and for percent germination by incubation on moistened paper. All treatments that included benomyl in acetone (2.5%, w/v) with 20% household bleach (0.1% sodium hypochlorite) were superior to the other treatments in eliminating bacterial and fungal contaminants without decreasing seed germination. Ethanol (70%) and hydrogen peroxide also decreased contamination levels, but ethanol decreased germination significantly. No evidence of internal contamination was detected when aseptic seeds were germinated and cultured on agar medium. Chemical names used: methyl(1-[(butylamino)carbonyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl] carbamate (benomyl).