Lesson 6.6 – Summary
Carrying over seed from year to year and managing seed inventory is one of the most challenging aspects of operating a seed business.
Key Takeaways
- Storage of seed has one goal: to delay seed deterioration.
- Storge conditions should be crafted based on the characteristics of the seeds needed to be stored: Orthodox, Intermediate or Recalcitrant.
- Approximately 25% of the annual value of seeds in inventory are lost because seeds deteriorate, leading to poor seed quality, loss of viability and loss of income.
- Improperly conditioned seeds may have higher moisture content or physical damage, making them more susceptible to deterioration during storage. This can reduce their viability and vigor over time.
- Seed inventory should be managed based on the “first in, first out” philosophy.
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References
[1] J. F. Harrington, “Drying, storing, and packaging seed to maintain germination, vigor.” Seedsmen’s Digest, 1960 11(1): 16,56-57, 64, 66, 68.
[2] S.O. Solberg, F. Yndgaard, C.Andreasen, R.von Bothmer, I. G. Loskutov, and A. Asdal, “Long-Term Storage of Orthodox Seeds: A systematic Review” Frontiers in Plant Science. 2020. 11:1007