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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 1/20/2004 Publication Date: 2/20/2004 Citation: Walters, C. 2004. Guidelines for Seed Storage. pp.442-453. In E. Guerrant, K. Havens and M. Maunder (eds) Ex Situ Plant Conservation: Supporting Species Survival in the Wild. Island Press, Covela, CA. Interpretive Summary: This book chapter provides technical information on how to store seeds for genebanking purposes and the longevity expected for seeds from different species. Environmental factors that affect seed quality are described. The relationship between drying temperature, drying RH and storage temperature is graphically depicted. Technical Abstract: Good storage practices slow down growth and deteriorative reactions in seeds by lowering the temperature and/or moisture level of tissues. The extent to which storage conditions can be manipulated and the shelf life that is achievable depends largely on the tolerance of seed cells to dehydration or chilling and the initial quality of the seed. The more tolerant the cells, the more moisture level and temperature can be reduced without damage, and the longer the seed will store. The following section describes basic procedures to maintain seed viability. More detailed descriptions of seed aging or storage procedures are published elsewhere. |
