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