Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing pathogen-reduced seeds from fruits or vegetables by sterilizing the surface of the fruit or vegetable, and subsequently releasing a seed and pulp mixture from the fruit or vegetable, are disclosed. Contamination of seeds by the transfer of pathogens from the surface of the fruit or vegetable to the seed during seed harvesting is prevented. The seeds produced by use of the method and apparatus of the invention are thus significantly reduced in pathogens. The use of these pathogen-reduced seeds in the commercial growing industry may be expected to inhibit the spread of plant diseases such as bacterial fruit blotch of watermelon.