Although by far, this is not a scientific experiment, it is however designed to show some of my fellow palm and tropical gardening enthusiast & friends, the results I obtained using Aspergillus in the seed germination process.
As many of us already know, germinating certain seed, especially those in the Palmae family, can take many months and even years in some cases for the radicle and first plumule to form.
In this test, I'm attempting to analyze and document the progress, as to the length of time it takes, plus the quantity of seed in each case that do germinate of the species, Attalea polysticha, using seed treated with Aspergillus and a Control set with out the seed being treated. And finely by checking the root system for any unusual growth, by comparing both the treated and untreated plants.
Bottom line: To determine if Aspergillus aids and enhances seed germination and plant development.

I used a plastic covered tray 6 1/2 inches by 5 inches and filled with sterilized seed starting mix. 6 Attalea polysticha seeds were put into a baggy with a teaspoon of Aspergillus inoculate and agitated until all seed were completely covered with substance, these were than planted in a sterile seed starting soil. 6 Attalea polysticha seed were used as a control. Trays were watered (with rain water) and placed in a warm but dark area. No bottom heat is being used. Trays are inspected at least once a week.
Note: All seed used in this experiment were collected in Miami Florida, at the Montgomery Botanical Center, on June 14, 2000. No fertilizer or plant stimulants were used whatsoever including EcoSane, HB-101, B1 or any other plant hormones. Seeds started, 27 January 2001.

We have all tried the baggy method or in the pot, (they either grow or else they rot) method, with some and some not-so successful results. Bottom heat is usually recommended and it certainly wouldn't hurt in speeding up seed germination. But usually we fall short of our expectations, our special palm seed, that we dreamed someday towering over head, for all the world to see, doesn't happen like we planed. Sometimes we forget to water and as time goes by we seem to forget about what we did back 6 months ago and when we do remember we find a disappointing dried pot or dry moldy seed left in our long forgotten baggy. We must try and check each and everyday our seed, in order to accomplish our mission.

Control set of Attlea polysticha seed January 27,2001 and Treated set of seed at the right.

• To early to determine