Effective seed sterilization methods require optimization across maize genotypes

Studies of plant-microbe interactions using synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) often require the removal of seed-associated microbes by seed sterilization before inoculation to provide gnotobiotic growth conditions. A diversity of seed sterilization protocols have been developed in the past and have been used on different plant species with various amounts of validation. From these studies, it has become clear that each plant species requires its own optimized sterilization protocol. It has, however, so far not been tested if the same protocol works equally well for different varieties and seed sources of one plant species. We evaluated six seed sterilization protocols on two different varieties (Sugar Bun & B73) of maize. All unsterilized maize seeds showed fungal growth upon germination on filter paper, highlighting the need for a sterilization protocol. A short sterilization protocol with hypochlorite and ethanol was sufficient to prevent fungal growth on Sugar Bun germina..., , , # Effective seed sterilization methods require optimization across maize genotypes

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.bcc2fqzmb](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.bcc2fqzmb)

Excel files 'Experiment 1' and 'Experiment 2' contain raw data.

R markdown file 'Seed_Sterlization_Manuscript' contains R code used for data analysis.

Text files 'B73' and 'SugarBun' were used in the R script.

#### Descriptions of data in Excel files 'Experiment 1' and 'Experiment 2':

* The genotypes used in the study were ((all were used in experiment 2, only B73 and Sugar Bun were used in experiment 1): 

1. Inbred varieties: B73, Mo17
2. Modern (hybrid) varieties: Sugar Bun (SB), Mo17 x B73, B73 x Mo17

* Several sources of seed were used for experiment 2. Each case would have a source as well as a genotype used (see above):

1. Clayton field seed harvested in 2021: CL21
2. Clayton field seed harvested in 2022: CL22
3. Seeds harvested from a greenhouse sown in 2021, harvested in 2022: GH21/22
4. Seeds har...