Which is most crucial for storage of seeds? (2024)

FAQs

Which is most crucial for storage of seeds? ›

Seed moisture and storage temperature are the most important factors in determining how long seed can be stored. The drier the seeds are, the longer they will store.

Dehydration and dormancy of mature seeds are crucial for storage of seeds.

The ideal storage temperature for seeds is 35-40°F with a relative humidity of less than 40%. Most refrigerators hold a temperature of about 40°F but have high relative humidity. Seeds stored in a refrigerator should be kept in containers that have a good seal to keep the humidity levels low.

The purpose of seed storage is to maintain the seed in good physical and physiological condition from the time they are harvested until the time they are planted. Seeds have to be stored, of course, because there is usually a period of time between harvest and planting.

Keeping cool:

One way to meet the need for constant cool temperature is by storing the seeds in an air-tight container with a desiccant in the refrigerator, preferably in a larger sealed container or drawer that won't warm up every time the door is opened.

Storing seeds

In general, store your seeds in a cool, dry, dark place over the winter, and try to use them in the next couple of years. The longer seeds are stored, the less likely they are to germinate well.

Conditions essential to good seed storage are just the opposite of those required for good germination. Good germination occurs when water and oxygen are present at a favorable temperature. Good seed storage results when seeds are kept dry (below 8 percent moisture) and the temperature is kept low (below 40 degrees).

Store your seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Exposure to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit will greatly decrease the viability of your seed for future planting seasons. Seeds can be stored in sealed containers, plastic bags, and wax or paper envelopes.

Introduction The ability of seed to tolerate moisture loss allows the seed to maintain the viability in dry state. Storage starts in the mother plant itself when it attains physiological maturity. After harvesting the seeds are either stored in ware houses or in transit or in retail shops.

Seed moisture below 12% is considered safe for storing most seeds of field crops in moisture vapour permeable bags for at least one season under ambient conditions. For vapour, impermeable containers seed moisture in the range of 6–8% is considered safe (Anonymous 2013).

What is the best way to store seeds for long term? ›

Cool environments that are optimal for keeping seeds in dormancy are ripe for causing water to condense, so airtight containers will be your friend here. Mason jars are favorites with seed savers, while ziptop bags, freezer bags, and other plastic containers with tight-fitting lids will also do the trick.

Moisture, temperature, and the proportion of oxygen are key environmental factors that affect seed deterioration and loss of viability.

We organize by botanical plant family, and I'll explain why below. However, if you're beginning and have only a few types of seeds, keep it simple by going alphabetical. You could also file seeds based on the timeframe that you'll plant them — spring, summer, and fall.

General Principles of Seed Storage

a) Seed storage condition should be dry and cool. b) Effective storage pest control. c) Proper sanitation in seed stores. d) Before placing seeds into storage they should be dried to safe moisture limits, appropriate for the storage system.

To store seeds, follow this simple procedure step-by-step:

Store only new, mature, healthy and well-dried seeds. Keep them in dry and cool place to extend their viability. Seeds easily re-absorb moisture. To maintain dryness, keep seeds in air-tight containers like tin cans or glass jars with tight fitting lids.

Water is considered the primary germination regulator, as germination begins with seed imbibition. Sufficient moisture must be present for germination to take place.

There have been a multitude of empirical investigations on the effects of temperature and moisture content on the viability period of seeds. In the vast majority of cases it has been shown that the lower the temperature and the lower the moisture content the longer the period of viability.