A method of sterilizing seeds comprises heating the seeds to substantially95~C or higher and maintaining same at that temperature for substantially 30minutes. Preferably a combination of steam and microwaves is used to maintainthe temperature. Dampening the seeds with steam and water at the start of theprocess helps the microwaves work more efficiently in maintaining temperature.The method further comprises treating the seeds with ozone which functionsboth to sterilize seeds as well as to sterilize pathogenic organisms and todegrade residual herbicides, pesticides and like chemicals that may be presentin a seed sample. An auger conveyor (7) carries the seed through the process.Temperature sensors (13) monitor the temperature of the seeds and control thespeed of the auger so that the seeds are maintained at substantially 95 ~C forsubstantially 30 minutes prior to exiting the output end of the auger conveyor(7). Ozone sensors (17) monitor ozone concentration in order to maintain aconcentration of ozone effective to sterilize biological materials as well asto degrade residual chemicals present in seed samples. The auger (7)continuously agitates the seed to expose the seeds to the microwaves and ozone.
