Seed multiplication of improved open-pollinated varieties
Practical Action
Conditions suitable for seed storage are:
• Low temperature
• Low humidity
• Low oxygen
• Free from pests and rodents
Low temperature
Temperatures of less than 4˚C are ideal for seed storage
• Low temperatures do not promote germination
• At low temperatures, seed is kept inactive but alive
• Germination in many plants only occurs when the temperatures are warm, usually above 20˚C
Low humidity
• Living things need water
• Humidity has water that can make the dry seed wet whilst in storage
The see may germinate or it can rot if the humidity is high
• Low humidity makes the storeroom cool
• The storeroom should have no holes that may allow wet air to enter
Low oxygen
• Oxygen is needed for seed germination
• Low oxygen reduces breathing of the seed and seed does not germinate
Free from pests and rodents
Seed shold be free from pests and rodents
Damaged Seeds
• Weevils, mice and rats can damage the stored seed
• The damaged seed may not germinate. If damaged seed is planted, germination will be poor
• It is important to protect seed from pests and rodents
Other ways of improving seed storage
• There are some seeds that are not easily eaten by weevils. These seeds store well even
without chemicals.
• Store seed in airtight containers, e.g, metal drums or plastic bags that cannot be easily
entered by weevils
• Mix grain with chemicals. In some crops like cowpeas, mixing grain with wood ash from
cooking fires or any other grained inorganic material such as sand, results in less damage to
the grain. A ratio of least 3 parts ash, 4 parts grain can be used. Unfortunately, this does not
affect pests already in the seed
• Vegetable oil can also be used in storage, 1-5 ml of oil per kilogram of threshed grain is
effective
• Pesticides such as Malathion dust, Actellic super and Shumba dust, can be used to control
• storage pests
• Store seed when it is mature and has the right moisture content.
• Control rodents in the storage room.
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