Wheat seed sterilisation

Wheat seed sterilisation protocol

Wheat seeds are typically sterilised before growing in sterile conditions, such is the case for harvesting wheat root exudates. They may also be sterilized prior to inoculating with Streptomyces bacteria, which is often done to determine root colonisation fitness.

This protocol takes around 30 minutes

Preparation and reagents needed

• Ethanol 70%
• 3% Bleach solution
• Sterile ddH₂O
• 50ml falcon tubes
• Sterile petri dishes
• Disposable gloves
• Timer

Wheat seed sterilization protocol

1. Transfer the required number of seeds to a clean, sterile 50ml falcon tube.
2. Submerge wheat seeds in 70% ethanol and incubate for 30 seconds, then pour off.
3. Submerge wheat seeds in 3% bleach and incubate for 10 minutes, then pour off.
4. Wash seeds in sterile ddH₂O 10 times.
5. If seeds are to be inoculated with Streptomyces spores, allow to dry in a sterile petri dish under sterile conditions.