Seed storage
- The main purpose of seed storage is to maintain the physical and physiological condition from harvest to planting of the seed.
- During storage period, the seed deteriorates due to ageing.
- Under temperate condition, store seeds under ambient condition for longer period but in tropical and sub-tropical condition, seeds loose viability quickly due to high temperature and humidity.
- The most important factors that affect the seed in storage are:
– Seed moisture
– Storage temperature
– Gaseous exchange
– Physical condition of the seed
– Initial viability and vigor
– Microflora and insect infestation
- Entire storage period may have six stages viz;
– Storage on plant (physiological maturity to harvest)
– Processing to store in ware house
– In storage house or ware house
– In transit
– In retail store
– On the use in farm