Contents
Definition, Purpose, Importance, Condition of Seed Storage
Definition
Seed storage may be defined, as the method of conservation of seed, obtained from the harvest until they are planted for successful crop production. The seeds are required to be conserved through proper Storage for a short or long period. During storage of seeds, moisture is controlled properly for the protection of deterioration.
Purpose of Seed Storage
The purpose of seed storage is to maintain the seed in good physical and physiological condition from the time they are harvested until the time they are planted.
To protect seed from insect, pest and disease.
To conserve seeds until they germinate for subsequent crop production.
Importance of seed storage
It increase crop yield.
To get adequate plant stands in addition to healthy and vigorous plants.
It decreases the seed borne disease due to change of local climate at storage.
Condition of storage
Seed storage aims at maintenance of its germination capacity more stringent condition are require than those to conserve the nutritional or industrial quality of seed.
During storage, some of the germination capacity is lost slowly or rapidly depending on storage conditions.
For dry seed storage, the store temperature and moisture will be low at 10°C and relative humidity 50%.
