Carl:
For what it is worth - I germinate my seeds on a thin layer of live
sphagnum moss over perlite. I first spray it with a product called
"No-Damp" and after the seeds are laid down, I mist them again. A clear
plastic cover is placed on top of them and as soon as I see a sprout, I
transfer it to a container filled with sterile nursery medium. Misted once
again, I just leave them until they get big enough to pot.
"No-Damp" contains 2.5% oxine benzoate and should be handled carefully. I
use it at 1/4 strenth and wear rubber gloves which I wash after every use.
Common fungoids and molds that attack young plants don't (in my experience)
stand much of a chance against this stuff. Established infections ... well,
I use shears and a wood stove.
Spouting seeds of any sort using _live_ sphagnum moss has its pluses and
minuses. Forgive me for not getting into this in depth (can't run that
fast), but live sphagnum has certain properties that are (probably)
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. On the other hand, live sphagnum moss is
very competitive. One scientist has a theory that it is responsible for our
nothern tundra's lack of trees. (plus climate).
I have had, through my _own_ 20yr+ experience in seed germination, good
results. I have been using the No-Damp product for the last 6 yrs. A
sprinkling of sulpher will not hurt, just do not put it on the exposed root
hairs of sprouts.
Hope this helps,
Rand