GB2334877A - Preserving seeds - Google Patents

Abstract

Seeds are preserved by using a large outer moisture proof container, and within, a quantity of small porous containers for the seeds and one large porous container for Silica Gel crystals. The whole unit is kept in a domestic refrigerator.

Description

"SEED STORE" This invention relates to a compact, long term storage and preservation method for flower and vegetable seeds.

Seeds are available in foil packets, vacuum packed to exclude moisture and help withstand temperature variation.

However, once the packets are open they allow moisture in and as they cannot be re-sealed satisfactorily, ageing and deterioration of the seeds begins.

The object of this invention is to provide a method for the collection and preservation of seeds, which also allows for the seeds to be accessed repeatedly without impairment to their quality and future germination. The packaging also provides an efficient method for cataloguing the collection of seeds.

The Seed Store comprises: 1 An outer container which may be made of glass, plastic or other non-porous, moisture proof material.

2 A number of small individual seed containers within, which can be made of cardboard, paper or other porous materials and be packet form, tubular, or box-shaped receptacles.

3 A larger porous container with perforated lid is also placed inside containing cobalt-chloride treated silica gel crystals which act as the moisture absorbent.

The crystals turn from blue to pink when moist and this indicates the point at which they have to be placed in an oven to be dried for continued use.

Users are advised to keep the "Seed Store" in a refrigerator to maintain a constant temperature. Alternatively the "Seed Store" may be kept in a cool, dry place, but this is not guaranteed to give the same results, due to possible changes to the environment.

FIGURE 1: Shows a side view of the Seed Store FIGURE 2: Shows the inner silica gel crystals container FIGURE 3: Shows the seed container.

Claims (5)

1. "SEED STORE" CLAIMS I The "Seed Store" is a moisture proof container with a quantity of small porous containers for the seeds and one larger porous container for silica gel crystals and is kept in a domestic refrigerator.

   2 A seed store as in Claim 1 has a main moisture proof container which can be of plastic or other non-porous material.
2. 2 A seed store as in Claim I with one inner container holding the Silica Gel crystals which are re-used by drying in an oven when they change colour from blue to pink.
3. 3 A seed store as in Claiml where the seed containers are tube or box shaped.
4. 4 For maximim efficiency the seed store should be kept in a refrigerator, alternatively it may be placed in a cool, dry atmosphere.
5. 5. A seed store as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.