Using Sous-Vide Machines for Hot Water Seed Treatment
Elisabeth Hodgdon, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Hot water seed treatment is a task that often falls on the list of "should do's" in the winter and early spring, but sometimes falls by the wayside. Treating seeds in a hot water bath can help prevent serious bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases by killing pathogens harbored within the seed. The practice is recommended for both seed collected on the farm and purchased from commercial sources. However, it's sometimes difficult to know which seeds to invest in treating, and whether it's worth the time or cost. In the past, hot water seed treatment at home meant investing in rather costly laboratory hot water baths or taking a chance on less reliable stovetop methods. With the popularity and availability of "sous vide" machines, hot water seed treatment is easier, and more predictable than ever.
Using Sous-Vide Machines for Hot Water Seed Treatment (pdf; 197KB)
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Upcoming Events
Rulfs Orchard Vegetable and Berry Field Meeting
August 4, 2026
Peru, NY
Join CCE vegetable specialists Elisabeth Hodgdon and Chuck Bornt for a vegetable and berry field meeting at Rulfs Orchard, in Peru, NY. We'll tour the farm's fields and talk about integrated pest management of sweet corn and cucurbit crops. Then, we'll view a drone demonstration and discuss new technologies for pesticide application and spotted wing drosophila management in berries. Light refreshments will be provided. A rain date will be announced if adverse weather is predicted.
Field Day at Philia Farm
August 6, 2026
Johnstown, NY
Visit organic seed production trials and tour the farm to see small-scale production systems at work, including tarping, cover cropping, and the use of assorted mulches and covers to modify the growing environment.
Capital Region Orchard Twilight Meeting
August 11, 2026
Rexford, NY
Join the ENYCHP and Cornell scientists on August 11 for the Capital Region Orchard Twilight meeting in Saratoga! We will be touring Bowman Orchards and reviewing seasonal recommendations for pests and diseases for apples, plums, and berries, as well discussing crop insurance.
NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits: 1.25 in categories 22, 1A, & 10. Refreshments will be provided.
Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect.