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  amorphophapllus seed packaging
From: "Petra Schmidt" <petra at plantdelights.com> on 2004.06.04 at 11:28:34(11567)
Hello,
Interesting comments on how to send amorphophallus seed through the mail
system here. The preferred method, of course, is to send uncleaned berries
but that goes against customs regulations and results in destruction of the
package contents. Moist cleaned seed sent in damp spaghnum is a good idea
if the package arrives in a few days. We've had small packages of seed held
in customs for much longer than a few days and even cleaned seeds in damp
spaghnum can rot and/or mush out and begin to show signs of fungus and when
fungus is evident, the package is destroyed. Timing is important, from how
long it takes to clean the seed to get it into packages to mail and then
from how long it takes to get to customs, through customs, and then on to
the seed receiver. Seed wrapped in newspaper/paper towels and placed in zip
lock bags? Again, a few days in shipment, o.k. but it sounds like a recipe
for fungal problems if held longer; we've had mushed seed arrive in the
paper towel/plastic bag method and have been surprised to see the damage,
i.e. poor germination. Anything in plastic bags at this time of year in the
heat in this part of the USA is risky. I'll point out that seed cleaned and
wrapped in dry spaghnum (not at all wet) and mailed is another option. Even
the driest of seed can be revived by soaking in water for a few days and
germination has always been high (including amorphophallus), the key being
is that seed must be mature or close to being mature when harvested.
Anyone else have other comments or suggestions? If we had more seeds to
play with, it would be worthwhile to actually do a sample test on various
packaging methods on aroid seed, mailed to/from/within the USA.
Petra

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From: "ron iles" <roniles at eircom.net> on 2004.06.04 at 15:10:47(11570)
What do you mean by "clean"?

Whatever! Uncharacteristically wild suggestion? Clean" (????)seeds, then
wash in baby disinfectant or whatever, make squeaky clean? Pack in live
sphagnum impregnated with fungicide/bactericide? Or send clean(?)
disinfected seeds in impregnated agar in petri dish or mini polybag then
they can be plantlets on arrival?

Insured air letter post?

Oh wot fun!

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From: "Peter Boyce" <peterboyce at myjaring.net> on 2004.06.04 at 21:59:33(11571)
Hi

Here in Malaysia ae've been informed that the seeds in berry problem with
customs/plant quarantine is (with the exception of Australia & New Zealand)
only a problem in the case of where there is no phyto - with a phyto seeds
to the US go through without a hitch (of course in the good old days small
shipments were ignored but with heightened security every package is
scrutinized and the letter of the law followed to the letter).

The big problem is getting the phyto. The Agri. folks here in Malaysia were
very reluctant to issue a phyto for seeds (cleaned of fruit pulp or not)
simply because of all the additional work it will involve since it includes
seed transfers between Forestry Depts, etc., thoroughout ASEAN. Anyhow,
after much negotiation we've now a agreement that we will be issued phytos
for seed shipments and thus overcome the problems we've had shipping to the
US.

Pete

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