Seed storage

• The main purpose of seed storage is to maintain the physical and physiological condition from harvest to planting of the seed.
• During the storage period, the seed deteriorates due to aging.
• Under temperate conditions, store seeds under ambient conditions for longer periods but in tropical and sub-tropical conditions, seeds lose 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

• The entire storage period may have six stages viz;

– Storage on the plant (physiological maturity to harvest)

– Processing to store in a warehouse

– In storage house or warehouse

– In transit

– In a retail store

– On the use in farm