Predicting the optimum storage conditions for seeds using thermodynamic principles
1993
Vertucci, Christina W.
Thermodynamic principles were used to relate water phase behaviour with different mechanisms of seed deterioration, in order to determine the optimum moisture content for seed storage. It is concluded that the optimum moisture level for storage represents a compromise between slowing aging reactions and preventing lethal ice formation by drying, and retaining the structural integrity of cellular constituents by supplying sufficient structural water. For desiccation sensitive tissues, there may not be a moisture content and temperature combination at which aging reactions are sufficiently slowed, and lethal freezing injury and desiccation damage are prevented. In this case, storage protocols require vitrification, a process by which the thermodynamically stable state is avoided by cooling very rapidly.
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