Seed Storage

PRINCIPLES OF STORAGE
Seed storage conditions should be dry and cool

Effective storage pest control

Proper sanitation in seed stores

Before placing seeds into storage – dry to safe moisture

limits.
Storing the high quality seeds
 Purpose of seed storage

Maintenance of seed in good physical & physiological

condition.

Protection – Pest & diseases, Rodents, Animals

To eliminate need to produce the seed every season(Fs)

To over come natural dormancy

To secure the supply of good quality seed for sowing

whenever needed.
 Need for Seed Storage
o Harvest time may not coincide with Sowing time

o Seed suppliers are not always able to market all the

seed during the following planting season - unsold
seed – “carried over”

o It protects the investment, profit and reputation

o The ability to store seed for long or short periods of time

has been very beneficial to agriculture
Stages of seed storage :

•Storage on plants
•Harvest, until processed and stored
•In storage (ware house)
•In transit – rail wagon, trucks, carts etc.,
•In retail stores
•On the user’s farm
 Loss of Viability in Storage :

• In storage the loss of viability is not linear

over time
•Follows a sigmoid pattern.
•Curve of seed life - age curve
Age curve / seed survival curve

(% germination plotted against time)

• Ageing progresses - seed loses its ability to
germinate - loses its viability - loss of vigour
precedes loss of viability.

• If the two features are to be compared - germination

test - under stress condition

• The relation between vigour and viability ageing

curve.
Relationship between vigour and viability as
expressed by germination percentage
 STORAGE PERIOD

Short term Medium term Long term

1 Year 1 – 5 Years 7 Years

Orthodox seeds
 Can dry to low mc (5%)
 Storable at low or subfreezing temperatures
for long periods

Recalcitrant seeds
 Can not dry below 20-25 %
 Short storage life
 Large in size
 High moisture content during maturity
 Can not be dried without injury
Eg. Coffee, Cocoa, Rubber, Neem.
 Choice of storage method
I.Storage at ambient temperature and
humidity
Orthodox seeds
Piles, single layers,sacks,open containers.
Well ventilated-sheltered from rain – rodents

II.Dry storage with controlled moisture content

 Orthodox
 4-8 % moisture content
 Sealed container or Humidity controlled room, cool
condition
III.Dry storage for long term conservation
Orthodox seeds
180 C, 5 + 1% mc
IV.Moist storage without control of mc & temperature
Recalcitrant seeds
Moist cool aerated condition.

V.Moist cold storage with control of temperature

Recalcitrant seeds
Moisture control- approximate limits- adding moist media -
1:1 ratio, re moistening / RH control
Just above/freezing
VI.Cryopreservation

 It
is also called as cryogenic storage. Seeds
are placed in liquid nitrogen at -196o C.

 Seedsare actually placed into the gaseous

phase of the liquid nitrogen -150o C for easy
handling and safety.

 It
is not practical for commercial seed storage,
but is useful to store the valuable germplasm.
Factors influencing seed storage
Biotic
Abiotic
Biotic factors :
a. Factors related to seed
Genetic make up of seed
Initial seed quality
Provenance
Seed Moisture content
b. Other biotics
Insects
Fungi
Rodents
Mishandling during sampling, testing
Abiotic factors :
Temperature
Relative humidity
Seed store sanitation
Gaseous atmosphere
Packaging material
Factors affecting seed storage
Factors influencing seed storage

Fungi

Insect Rodents

Initial seed Biotic Mishandling

quality
factors

Genetic make
Provinance up of seed

Seed moisture
content
Abiotic factors
Seed factors :
1.Genetic factors
Micro biotic – short lived
Meso biotic- medium lived
Macro biotic – long lived
Initial seed quality
Effect of provenance
Effect of weather
Pre harvest sanitation spray
Seed moisture content
 Pre-storage factors
Genetic effect:

 Some sp. are genetically and chemically equipped for

longer storability
 Genetic variation in seed storage potential among crop
sp. and cultivars.
Orthodox Vs Recalcitrant
 Long lived - Wheat, bajra, jute, lentil etc.,
 Short lived - onion, soybean, groundnut etc
 Intermediate storability - Paddy, maize, cowpea, sorghum
etc
Seeds survived for more than 100 years are of sp. which
develop hard seeds.
seed coats are impermeable to water
seeds don’t fluctuate in moisture content - RH
Example
Albizia - 147 years
Cassia – 158 years
Trifolium – 100 years
Canna, Lotus and Lupinus - 500 years
Barley does not have hard seeds, a sample survived 123
years of storage in a sealed glass tube at controlled temp.
under natural conditions seeds of sugar maple and sal
viable only for a week after they are shed
 Sp. That produce Recalcitrant Seeds

- Mango – Mangifera indica

- Jack – Artocarpus sp.
- Rubber – Hevea brasiliensis
- Cocoa – Theobroma cacao
- Araucaria – Araucaria excelsa
- Coconut – Cocos nucifera
- Coffee – Coffea arabica
- Wild rice – Zinzania aquatica
Seed maturity
• Fully matured seeds retain viability longer than
immature seeds.
• Bio-chemical compounds essential for
preserving viability may not be formed until
the final stages of seed ripening.
• These include dormancy inducing chemicals
in some sp. and dormancy is sometimes
associated with seed longevity.
• Seed maturity is the point at which maximum dry
weight is attained.
Initial seed quality
• Seed lots with high initial viability have a higher
longevity in storage

• Seeds of high initial viability resist unfavorable

storage conditions better than seeds of low initial
viability.

• Before storage - germination test in- to determine

how long the seed is likely to retain viability storage.
• Storing seed lot which recorded 50% germination
• waste in space in storing dead seed
• Even the 50% of initially viable seeds - lose their
viability more quickly.
• Small difference in germination among seed lots can
result in relatively big differences in longevity.

• IBPGR - In long term storage of agricultural seeds for

genetic conservation - seed should posses initial
viability of 85% and more
Abiotic factors :
Relative humidity
Temperature
1.For every decrease of 1% seed moisture content the life of the seed
doubles. This rule is applicable between moisture content of 5-14%.

2. Fore every decrease of 10o;C in storage temperature the life of the seed
doubles. This rules applies between 0oto 50oC.

3.Good seed storage is achieved when the % of relative humidity in storage

environment and the storage temperature in degrees Fahrenheit add up to
one hundred but the contribution from temperature should not exceed 50oF
Gas during storage
Increase in O2 pressure decrease the period of viability
N2 and CO2 atmosphere will increase the storage life of
seeds.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY

 Seed are hygroscopic

 RH is a measure of water vapour in air

 Increase in air temperature increase the WHC of air

 Seed absorb or loose moisture into the atmosphere until an

Equilibrium is established between the MC in the seed and in the
atmosphere

 Change in RH will change the MC of seeds-if stored in moisture

pervious containers
For every 10 degree f reduction in temp
the seed life doubles
For every one % reduction in moisture the
storage life doubles
Temp +RH both combined nearer to
100 ,the area is highly suitable for storage
– good or medium or poor storage places

Harringtons thumb rule

Temperature

• Temperature like moisture content is negatively correlated

with seed longevity.

• The lower the temperature the lower the rate of respiration

and thus longer the life-span of seed in storage.

• Harrington’s 2nd thumb rule relates to temperature - for

every decrease of 10ºF in storage temperature the storage life
of seed is doubled.

• Choice of storage temperature varies considerably according

to sp. and the period for which the seed is to be stored.
 Seed moisture content
• Most important single factor in determining seed
longevity. Moisture content and storability are
negatively correlated.
• Harrington’s 1st thumb rule - relates to MC - for
every 1% reduction in seed moisture the storage life
of seed is doubled
• Reduction of in Mc cause a reduction in respiration
and thus slows down ageing of seed and prolongs
viability.
• Prevention of fungal and insect activity is more
easily achieved by controlling MC
SEED PACKAGING IN RELATION TO SEED STORAGE
 The kind of container needed is affected by several factors
including :

 The quantity of seed desired in each package

 The protection desired

 The cost of the package

 The value of the seed

 The storage conditions into which the container is to be

placed and

 The facilities for drying the seeds

CLASSIFICATION OF PACKING MATERIALS OR CONTAINERS
Moisture pervious containers
Allow entry of water in the from of vapour and liquid. Suited for shot
term storage.
Attain seed equilibrium moisture with the surrounding atmosphere e.g
cloth bags, gunny bags, paper bags etc.,

Moisture impervious containers

Entry of water in the form of vapour and not in liquid.
Seeds can't be carried over for long period in hot humid conditions e.g.
polythene bags of <300 gauge thickness and urea bags.
Moisture and vapour proof containers
 Will not allow entry of moisture in the form of
liquid or vapour
 Used for long term storage even in hot humid
conditions if the seeds are sealed at optimum
moisture content.
 e.g. Polythylene bags of >700 gauge thickness,
aluminium foil pouches, plastics etc.,
The rate of deterioration increases, as the seed moisture content
increases. The drier the seed ,the higher will be the storage life.

Seed moisture content (%) Storage life

11-13 !/2year

10-12 1 year

9-11 2 years

8-10 4 years
Higher moisture content enhances the biological activity in the
seeds and
Causes excessive heating, besides promoting mould and insect
activities.
The safe moisture content again depends upon the period of
storage, storage structures, kind and variety of seed and the
packaging materials used.
The activity of organisms associated with seeds in storage
The bacteria, fungi, mites, insects, rodents and birds may do harm
The activity of organisms associated with seeds in storage
Temperature
Relative
Organism Range for Optimum range
humidity
multiplication

Insects 21-42°C 27-3 7°C 30-95%

Mites 8-31°C 19-31°C 60-100%

Fungi 8-80°C 20-40°C 60-100%

Microbes 8-80°C 26-28°C 91-100%

General principles of seed Storage

 Seeds should be stored in a seed warehouse, not

in a fertilizer, chemicals, herbicide or feed
warehouse

 insect infested lots should not be stored along

with other lots unless all the insects have been
killed by fumigation or insecticide treatment

 Storage containers should be thoroughly cleaned

 In warehouse with concrete floors,

 Seed bags should be stacked on wooden pallets
 Different types of seeds should be stored
separately

 Seeds should be inspected fortnightly

 Upon detection of any pathogens, immediate

control measures should be taken

 After fumigation, seed godowns should be aerated

and thoroughly cleaned to remove all dead insects

 Seed godowns and processing sheds should be

given surface treatment at an interval of 2-4 weeks
SANITATION IN STORAGE

Seeds should be stored in a seed warehouse,

not a fertilizer, chemicals, herbicide or feed
warehouse
Not to place insect infested lots in storage with other lots
unless all the insects have been killed by fumigation or
insecticide treatment
Store only thoroughly cleaned seeds
Storage containers should be
thoroughly cleaned
 In warehouse with concrete floors, seed bags should be
stacked on wooden pallets

 Bags should be arranged in cris cross manner

 Seed warehouses should also be adequately ventilated

(unless they are conditioned) and protected against
rodents
 Store different types of seeds separately

 Seeds should be inspected fortnightly

 Upon detection of any pathogens, immediate control measures

should be taken

 After fumigation, seed godowns should be aerated and thoroughly

cleaned to remove all dead insects

 Seed godowns and processing sheds should be given surface

treatment at an interval of 2-4 weeks
Maintenance of viability in storage
1. Store well mature seeds
2. Store normal coloured seeds
3. Seeds should be free from mechanical injury
4. Seeds should be free from storage fungi or micro
organisms
5. Seeds should not have met with adverse conditions during
maturation
6. Storage environment or godown should be dry and cool.
7. Seeds should be dried to optimum m.c
8. Required R.H. and temperature should be maintained
during storage.
9. Seeds should be treated with fungicides before storage
10. Storage godown should be fumigated to control storage
insects, periodically
11. Suitable packaging materials should be used for packing.

seed storage
Storage Godowns And Their
Maintenance
 Seed godown should be in a place where transport
facilities are easily available.
 Seed godowns should not be constructed in areas
near seashore. Since the high RH of atmospheric air
accelerate the deterioration of seed.
 Seed godown should not be constructed in low lying
water stagnating areas.
 Seed godown should be constructed in places where
atmospheric RH is low, free circulation of air is
possible, sunlight is adequate and elevated in nature.
 The ventilators should be at bottom for free air
circulation.
 Ground moisture should not reach the floor.
 Should be rat proof with wire mesh
 Should not be near industries as smoke is injurious

seed storage
Maintenance of seed in godown
 Godown should be clean and dry
 Seed bags should not be stacked directly on floor.
Should be stacked on wooden ballets.
 The height of the stack should not be more than 6-8
bags.
 Different seed lot should be kept separately.
 Godown should be sprayed periodically once in a week
or fortnightly with Nuvan @ 1 lit. 100 m3-1.
 Altering the chemicals at weekly intervals will give better
control.
 Seed lots can be fumigated with Aluminium phophide @
3 gm/cu.m in air tight condition for 7 days. This can be
done as propylatic measure and on minimum infestation
by insects.
 Seed lots should be periodically (once in month) tested
for seed quality.

seed storage
 Based on seed testing result, seeds can be dried under sun
for the removal of moisture. It reduces insect and pathogen
infestation.
 New seed lots should be kept away from old seed lots to
avoid secondary infestation of insects.
 Seeds should be treated with combination of fungicide and
insecticide (eg.) Thiram @ 2 g kg-1 + carbaryl @ 200 mg
kg-1.
 Frequent supervision of each and every lot is must.
 Seed bag should be restacked once in 3 months for free
aeration.
 Instead of gunny bags low cost interwoven polythene bags
should be used to prolong the life of seed.
 Pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, rejects should not be
stored with seed.
 Each lot should be labeled accurately and registers for
stocks should be maintained.
 Per acre or per hectare packing (small) is preferable for
easy handling and effective supervision.

seed storage
 Care during storage
Cereals & vegetables- separate storage
Seed inspection-Fortnight interval
Fumigation-Max-3-40-60 days
Complete aeration-thorough cleaning
Reinfestation-surface treatment –
malathion
Insecticides-Alternate
Regular checking of germination
Favorable situation can be achieved in only three ways:
(1)Location of the storage facility in a region where
relative humidity does not rise - on the average - above
the critical level;
(2)Maintenance of the relative humidity at the desired
level by packaging seed in moisture vapor proof
containers or
(3)Dehumidification of the storage room atmosphere to
the desired level.
The desired level of relative humidity for successful
storage of seed depends, of course on the kind of
seed, the duration of the storage period and the
temperature.
Causes of Seed Storage Problems:

•Low quality seed are placed in storage

•The seed may have been deteriorated in the
field before harvest, mechanically damaged,
etc.
•Inadequately dried seed are placed in bulk
storage without proper aeration or packaged
at too high a moisture content

Contd ...
• Seed are “Carried over” too long
• The kinds of seed stored are naturally “short
lived”, e.g. seed of onion, soybeans,
peanuts
• The seed are stored in poorly ventilated,
damp, warm ware-houses
• Ambient conditions are very unfavorable for
storage
Storage structures

• Maintained in more hygienic conditions by

cleaning or white washing them

• More convenient for inspection and spraying

and dusting, fumigation and turning of the
grains;

• The danger of heating up of grain due to

internal heat is less
Bag storage
•Definite quantity which can be
bought, sold or despatched without
difficulty;

•Bags are easier to load or unload.

•The bags which are identified as

infested on inspection can be
removed and treated easily

•The problem of the sweating of

grains does not arise because the
surface of the bag is exposed to the
atmosphere.
 Traditional storage structures
Structures Features

 These are cylindrical in shape and are made up of

Kothi or Mud Pots . unburnt clay mixted with straw and cowdung or
cowdung, mud and bricks. The capacity of these
varies from one to 50 tonnes

 These are cylindrical bins of mud/brick mixed with

Kuthla
straw and cowdung.

 These are rectangular in shape and are made up of

Thekka
gunny or cotton wound around wooden support.

 These are cylindrical in shape and are made up of

Metal Drums
galvanised iron sheets.

 These bags are made up of jute and are used for

Gunny Bags
storing food grains and oil seeds.
Improved grain storage structures
Small scale storage
PAU bin
 Galvanized metal iron structure - Capacity - 1.5 to 15
quintals.

PUSA bin
 Made of mud or bricks with a polythene film embedded
within the walls.
Hapur Tekka
 Designed by the Indian Grain Storage Institute, Hapur.
 It is a cylindrical rubberised cloth structure supported
by bamboo poles on a metal tube base, and has a small
hole in the bottom through which grain can be removed.
The "Pusa" bin has been widely adopted in India, and has
been demonstrated in some African countries. It gives good
results when loaded with well dried grain.
Silos
 The FCI has constructed a few scientific
silos for storage of food grains in main
surplus producing area like Punjab
 In these structures, the grains in bulk are
unloaded on the conveyor belts and,
through mechanical operations, are carried
to the storage structure.
 The storage capacity of each of these silos is
around 25,000 tonnes.
 However, these are reported to be not being
fully / regularly used due to operational
problems.
SILO Metal silo
Cool room storage- 0.5 tonne plastic bins
One tonn bin and cool room monitoring page of software- rice
Large Scale Storage
CAP Storage (Cover and Plinth):
Food Corporation of India.
construction of brick pillars to a height of
14" from the ground with grooves into
which wooden crates are fixed and
embedded with a polythene sheet.
The structure can be fabricated in less
than 3 weeks.
It is an economical way of storage on a
large scale in open.
Warehouse

Warehouse facilities in several areas

have been created by the Food
Corporation of India, the Central
Warehousing Corporation, the State
Warehousing corporations and Co-
operative Marketing Organizations.

These are scientific storage structures

constructed on a large scale.
global seed vault- Norway
Thank u