Examining the viability of seeds found at the historic hut at Cape Evans on Ross Island

The seeds presently in the open containers at the historic hut at Cape Evans were examined, collected (2001-2003) and germination was attempted. The seeds were placed in sealed glass containers and kept at 4 degrees celcius on the advice of the Millenium Seedbank Project, Kew, England. The seeds were treated in various ways to stimulate germination alongside controls from a germinable sample of the same species where possible. Germination itself was considered the best means of determining seed viability.