Effects of different methods of seed preparation on the germination of tomato seeds

Tomato seeds mechanically extracted from the fruits were subjected to different methods of preparation, i.e., five types of fermentation, two of desinfection, and three of drying. Viability of such seeds was determined after 0, 4, and 12 months of storage. Germination of tomato seeds decreased with the increase of time of fermentation, and, mostly when acetic acid was added to the mass being fermented. The best product for seed desinfection was HgCl2, and shade-drying was the most adequate for tomato seeds.