Importance Of Seed Storage

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Seed storage is the process of preserving viable seeds from the time harvested or collected to the time required for planting or sowing. Seed storage is important as it secures the supply of good quality seeds for sowing whenever needed as well as to maintain the seed in good physiological and morphological condition (Ellis et al., 1990; Hong and Ellis, 1992). Seed storage ensures the maintenance of germplasm over time for improved plant breeding programs (Wang, 1975).
Storage of seeds as ex situ germplasm is an essential step for the long-term conservation of plant genetic resources. Maintaining seed viability for longer period is very essential to preserve the genetic integrity in stored samples. Since very early days, simple techniques have been adopted to maintain the …show more content…

Seed yields and seed quality (germination and vigor) may be unpredictable due to growing conditions and
2. Market demand for certain crops may vary significantly from one year to the next.

2.0 METHODS OF SEED STORAGE.
Several methods have been adopted in storing seed. Some of these methods are: Air-conditioned storage; Refrigerator storage and Freezer storage.

2.1 Air-Conditioned Storage Air conditioners may vary in their capacity to dry and cool the air. Initially, an air conditioner may achieve a relative humidity of 35-50% which is far better than humid tropical summer or temperate wet winter air. Bonner (1990) stated that installing air conditioners in storage rooms allow for the reduction of temperature and humidity. The advantages for air-conditioned storage as itemized by ISTA (1993) include: it further air-dries seeds; it is used for temporary storage of seeds that have not yet been packaged in storage containers as well as large seed lots. Also, air-conditioner storage helps to maintain a constant, cool storage environment that should further prolong the storage life of seeds, especially orthodox seeds such as Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, Terminalia catappa etc. (FAO,

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