Hi Norbert,
When a super saturated solution of calcium chloride
fills for example one third of a
closed vessel, you will see a layer of
calcium chloride at the bottom of the solution
The area above the solution is then maintained at a
relative humidity of 32-33%
Seeds dehydrated in the space above the solution
for a few days to a week will retain a moisture content of about
5-6%. These are then best sealed
immediately in a container with a minimum of air space and placed in
the fridge at 5C.
Tests conducted on only a small percentage of
orchid species over several genera, dehydrated and stored this
way,
have shown maintenance of viability
for up to 25 years.
P.T. Seaton and H.W.Pritchard did some of the
research on this. For more details see the AOS Bulletin of Aug
1994.
Peter
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