Highlights of proper sunflower seed storage

Beratlief, C.; Iliescu, H.

Highlights of proper sunflower seed storage

1997

Beratlief, C. | Iliescu, H. (Research Institute for Plant Protection, Bucharest (Romania))

Sunflower seed storage needs particular care, due to its high fat content, easily cracking shell, exposing the kernel to various alterations, such as germination loss, colonization of fungi and attacks by insects and mites. Seed moisture content is critical mainly if long-term storage is intended. Proper management of equilibrium between relative air humidity and seed moisture is an essential element, dictating need for seed drying at storage start and frequent aeration during storage. The main fungi occurring in sunflower seed post-harvest are listed and their involvement in spoilage of this produce is commented; likewise, a comprehensive list of insects and mites detected in Romania and elsewhere in stored sunflower is presented, some of these having definite role in enhancing spoilage. Measures intended to prevent or control the detrimental factors are briefly exposed, and some special attempts to eliminate these are mentioned.

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