Feasibility study of the bulk priming and drying of tomato seeds

It is shown, based on tests on filter paper, that tomato seeds can be successfully primed in a stirred and aerated priming bioreactor. Such a process takes about 7 days and reduces the mean germination time of seeds from about 3.5 days to about 1.5 days. It also enhances the synchronicity of germination. These seeds can be successfully dried to the required storage moisture content of about 10% in about 1 hr in a fluidised bed at 40°C. They maintain their enhanced synchronicity, though the mean germination time increases to about 2.2 days. This increase is associated with the need to re-imbibe water sufficiently before germination can commence. The time of 1 hr taken to dry in the fluidised bed represents a very considerable saving of time as well as a much easier handling process than the traditional layer drying of primed seeds in cabinets which takes about 2 days. Overall, the feasibility of a process for the bulk priming and drying of tomato seeds on the large scale has been demonstrated, thereby making the seeds more suitable for commercial horticulture.