USA
February 22, 2023
When it comes to seeds, storage conditions make an impact. Most people are aware that seeds need to be kept cool and dry to maintain their quality in storage. But the real questions are: How cool, and how dry, do the storage conditions need to be? The February 22nd Sustainable, Secure Food Blog looks at some general guidelines that apply to all types of seeds.
The two most significant factors that affect seed quality in storage are temperature and relative humidity. Seeds need to be stored in conditions that carefully balance temperature and humidity to maintain seed quality and reduce seed deterioration.
Researchers in Oregon are testing storage conditions that help hemp seeds grow best. Shown here, a normal hemp seedling that sprouted during the Field Emergence vigor test. Vigor tests determine how well plants grow after they germinate. Credit Grace Fuchs
Scientists also know that the sum of relative humidity (as a percentage) and temperature (in °C) must not exceed the number 100 for safe seed storage. So, if the temperature is high, relative humidity needs to be kept low, and vice versa.
Grace Fuchs, graduate student at Oregon State University, focuses her work on the best storage conditions for hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) She and her advisor are exploring different ratios of temperature and relative humidity to determine how they affect hemp seed quality in storage.
To read more about the research findings and the entire blog, visit: https://sustainable-secure-food-blog.com/2023/02/22/what-storage-conditions-affect-seed-quality/
This blog is part of Crop Science Society of America’s Seed Week celebration. Why celebrate seeds? Anyone who plants a seed is investing in hope. That’s one of the attractions of seeds. For the gardener, it could be hope for a beautiful flower, or perhaps a delicious zucchini squash. For our farmers, seeds are the hope of this year’s yields of produce, cash crops or forage. No matter the size or shape of the seed, they all can bring forth new life. At Crop Science Society of America, we hold seeds in very high regard. Please visit our Seed Week webpage for news stories, blogs and more information about seed research and facts.
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