Under ordinary room conditions (= open storage), viability of many seeds is reduced by halfwithin 6 months.
- Seeds with harder seed coats tend to live longer than those with thin coats.
- For improved storability, seed moisture and storage temperature must be kept lowand controlled.
To store seeds, follow this simple procedure step-by-step:
Store only new, mature, healthy and well-dried seeds.
Keep them in dry and cool place to extend their viability.
Seeds easily re-absorb moisture. To maintain dryness, keep seeds in air-tightcontainers like tin cans or glass jars with tight fitting lids.
Put in some moisture absorbing material. Dry wood ash, dry charcoal, powderedmilk, toasted (cooled) rice, or small pieces of newspaper are all good. The dryingmaterial should take up about one-fourth of the container space.
Label the containers with the type of seed, place, and date of collection.
If possible, include the initial percent viability of the seeds. To do this, plant someseed to see how many germinate. If 8 of 10 germinate, for example, percent viabilityis 80%. This information will help you to learn about how much each type of seedloses viability between collection and planting.
Protect seeds from insects and fungi. Before storing in containers, mix with dry ash,powdered seeds of black pepper or neem leaves. Or use extract of neem, peanut,castor bean, or cotton: 1 teaspoon oil/1 kg seed. Or use naphthalene balls: 1 or2 pieces/10 kg seed.
Protect from rodents and birds during storage.
For good seed storage, always use sealed containers.
After seed has been dried properly, store it in tin cans, metal boxes, glass jars, orplastic bags or container with lids that can be sealed (Figure 25).
| Points to remember when using sealed containers: | |
- Never seal in moist seed.
- Use airtight containers.
- Make sure that the container is clean.
- Open the seed containers only when necessary.
|
| Some species have seeds which do not tolerate drying or cold temperatures. Examples of these are rambutan, durian, mangosteen, mango, jackfruit, avocado, rubber, cacao, mahogany, and neem. They can only be stored from several days, up to a few months under ordinary room conditions. It is best, therefore, to plant these kinds soon after collection. But if they must be stored: |
Do not dry the seeds completely. Leave them a little moist. Aim for a dry seed coat, but a moist seed kernel. Fill plastic bags half and half with seed, and slightly damp charcoal, peat moss, sawdust, or sand. Keep the bags in a cool place. Open the bags for one-half hour each day to permit air to enter.
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| Figure 25 Seed storage containers: metal box, tincan, plastic or glass jar. |
The length of time for seed storability of some species is given in Appendix I.
FAQs
seed is beyond reach of the collectors and has to be obtained using tree-pruners. Careful shaking of branches will sometimes dislodge the best available seed, which can be collected in buckets or on a tarpaulin held or spread out beneath the plant.
How to store tree seeds? ›
Keep them in dry and cool place to extend their viability. Seeds easily re-absorb moisture. To maintain dryness, keep seeds in air-tight containers like tin cans or glass jars with tight fitting lids. Put in some moisture absorbing material.
Is the collection and storage of seeds a good idea? ›
Seed storage longevity varies from species to species. Some seeds may be viable after ten years of storage, while others may not germinate after two years in storage. Ideally, seeds should be planted within one year of collection.
What is seed treatment for seed storage? ›
Seed treatment refers to the application of fungicide, insecticide, or a combination of both, to seeds so as to disinfect and disinfect them from seed-borne or soil-borne pathogenic organisms and storage insects. It also refers to the subjecting of seeds to solar energy exposure, immersion in conditioned water, etc.
How do you collect and store seeds? ›
Seeds need moisture, warmth and light to germinate, so give them the exact opposite, a dry, cool, dark environment, when storing them. Place your seeds in an envelope or paper bag and seal them in plastic containers or glass jars. If you are not convinced that your seeds are dry, eliminate the airtight container step.
What is the seed collection method? ›
The various collection methods may be classified into the following: (a) Collection of fallen fruits or seeds from the forest floor, (b) Collection from the crowns of felled trees, (c) Collection from standing trees with access from the ground, (d) Collection from standing trees with access by climbing and (e) ...
How long can tree seeds be stored? ›
Many seeds will maintain great germination for three years even in your kitchen cupboard, though there are exceptions. Stored well, some seeds can last centuries. Reducing humidity is key to storing seed, reducing risk of mold and pre-mature sprouting. If you're saving home-grown seed, I love you!
What is the best storage for seeds? ›
Cool environments that are optimal for keeping seeds in dormancy are ripe for causing water to condense, so airtight containers will be your friend here. Mason jars are favorites with seed savers, while ziptop bags, freezer bags, and other plastic containers with tight-fitting lids will also do the trick.
Can I vacuum seal seeds for storage? ›
Vacuum sealing seeds is an effective way to extend their viability, for two main reasons. First, maintaining seeds under a vacuum keeps humidity out of the storage container, which is very important in areas where humidity is high during at least part of the year (e.g. during rainy season).
Will 10 year old seeds germinate? ›
Seeds that have been stored in a cool, dry place are generally viable for at least a year past the season for which they were packaged and may be good for up to five years.
Dehydration and dormancy of mature seeds are crucial for storage of seeds.
Is it better to store seeds in paper or plastic? ›
Store them
Zip-close plastic storage bags and small glass baby food jars are good. Paper envelopes are fine, too, but they're better for holding seeds for short-term storage, such as until the next growing season, because they aren't air-tight.
What are the disadvantages of seed treatment? ›
Disadvantages of seed treatment
- Limited protection under high pest pressure. Under high pest pressure, significant crop damage may occur. ...
- Duration of protection. ...
- Limited shelf life of treated seed. ...
- Phytotoxicity.
Seed pelleting: The most sophisticated Seed Treatment Technology, resulting in changing physical shape of a seed to enhance pelletibility and handling.
Is seed treatment necessary? ›
Chemical or biological seed treatments can provide critical protection since the germination stage, protecting the emergence out of the soil and during the first stage of the crop cycle by preventing seeds against soil-borne pathogens, seed-borne insects, diseases, and pests.
Can I grow a tree from a seed? ›
There are typically type two ways to start the growing process of a tree seed. You can plant your seed by sowing it in the fall outdoors (also known as the “natural way”) or you can assist in the seed's germination through scarification or stratification, which typically happens indoors.
What is the seed tree method of harvesting? ›
Seed-Tree Method
This method involves harvesting all but a few well-distributed trees of the desired species to provide seed for natural regeneration. After adequate regeneration has been established, the seed trees are normally harvested.
