Re: [CH] V6 #127 seed start

peter gaffney (peter.g@telus.net)
Mon, 24 Jan 2000 22:40:54 -0800

here's a good page, with almost everything one would want to know
about saltpeter (KNO3).  http://www.salt.org.il/saltpet.html
or, for that matter, about salt itself .... interesting site
http://www.salt.org.il/frame_mission.html

 and another, that recommends saltpeter for growing peppers,
http://www.batnet.com/rwc-seed/Pepper.growing.tips.html

 this quote, regarding hydroponics ...
"In vitro experiments were undertaken to investigate whether
the potassium or the chloride ion was the most active against S. tritici

mycelial growth and spore germination. Potassium chloride, sodium
chloride
and potassium nitrate were used. All three salts significantly reduced
mycelial growth and spore germination."
is from the page http://www.bspp.org.uk/meetings/dec97abs.htm

nonetheless, my suspicion is that, nitre is effective in reducing
dormancy in the seed & encouraging early growth.
bacteriostatic , yes. but not particularily effective as an anti-fungal.

however, i will defer to those with far more growing experience
than my meagre efforts !
regards
peter g
------------------------
<I don't know the effect of KNO3 on fungi and spores but I would doubt
that it would be effective.
Regards, Cameron.>