Storage potential of onion seeds hermetically packaged at low moisture content
1997
Stumpf, C.L. | Peske, S.T. | Baudet, L. (Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas (Brazil))
The objective of this study was to determine the storage potential of onion seeds stored in hermetic cans with low moisture content under environmental temperature conditions at Pelotas (Brazil). The Ellis and Robert (1980) seed viability equation was also used to determine whether it could be used to predict changes in onion seed germination in the variable temperatures encountered during warehouse storage. Moisture content, germination and vigour tests were determined on 154 commercial seed lots, stored for one to ten years. Each seed lot consisted of two cans of 0.5 kg, which were left over from larger lots after commercialization. The seed lots were analyzed according to the storage period and seed moisture content intervals of: 5.5 %; 5.5-6.5 %; 6.5-7.0 %; 7.0 to 7.5 %. For onion seeds with a minimum germination of 90 %, hermetically packaged, with no more than 7.5 % moisture content, and at an annual average temperature of 17.6-18.3 deg C, it was concluded that: 1) as moisture content and storage period increase the viability equation becomes less accurate, being practically useful up to three years; 2) physiological quality determined by the germination test only is not enough to predict the storage potential of the onion seed lots and possible alternatives are discussed; 3) some onion seed lots can be stored for 10 years and retain high physiological quality, although some may lose their quality after two years of storage
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station