The germination rate observed in the recent thread on
Sarracenea seed which was distributed last year may be
the result of the postal service sorting process.
Postal sorting machines often use compression rollers
to fire letters into their appropriate channels for
distribution. These can exert extreme pressure on seed in
an envelope if it is not protected.
Studies were presented in the American Orchid Society Bulletin
a few years ago showed that unprotected orchid seed (which is
simillar in size to Drosera) was smashed and inactivated by this
process to various extents when mailed across the country.
Wrapping the seed packet in a small amount of bubble pack
prevents this from happening by cushioning the seed.
I only mention this here to help prevent loss of valuable seeds
this year. It may be old hat info for some but hopefully will
help others.
Al Bickell
CTC Labs