Fertiliser use with seed saving?

[Jungle Jane]

Hello,I've been wondering,is it better to not use any fertilisers when seed saving for seed viability & health of the seed? I wondered chemicals in feed might affect the seed & I found this link that mentions in the conclusion ~
"Seed shows better performance in terms of seed viability, germination & vigor without fertiliser in the mother plant field 6 months after storage, most probably due to lower seed moisture content." "The lower moisture content of these storage periods may have partly contributed to the maintenance of viability and vigor."

http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index...le/31803/20680

I was googling for quite long,its difficult to find out whats the best thing to do. Using fertilisers is what I've always done but I'm wondering if they could have a detrimental affect on the seed,some being worse than others. Or is a little bit of BFB ok? What do you think?

[Alison]

You need to save seeds from strong plants, your best plants. Over use of fertiliser is bad for many many reasons but you also need to nourish your plants. To be honest I don't feed my plants much, I tend to go for a feed the soil approach before planting but have never had problems like that.

[sparrow100]

The main thrust of this seems to be about the moisture content of the seed. Surely if they are dried properly it shouldn't make a massive difference. I use organic fertilisers (and the odd handful of Growmore) and have been saving seed for 3 years. I haven't noticed problems with viability or germination - fresh seed seems to almost be rocket-fuelled in terms of growing. Seed from 3 years ago is a little less reliable, but still good at about 60-70%.

[Scarlet]

^^^ I agree. I've been seed saving for years. I use compost from my bins, feed from my wormery, chicken manure etc. also occassionally will add some grow more to my raised beds. I've never had a problem with seed viability or vigor. I always choose the healthiest /best plants, biggest, best example of fruit. I've a very warm kitchen (aga on full time) every seed is thoroughly dried. I can honestly say that I get great results from home saved seed.

[Jungle Jane]

This is great help thankyou! I need to try & do this properly I usually use miracle grow for nitrogen but I'm not this year because of saving seeds so I need to use something more natural or nothing at all I was thinking for a minute. Thanks for the help.

[Scarlet]

Nettle or comfrey tea?