LONG-TERM STORAGE FOR VEGETABLE SEEDS – PART I

Seeds of three origins of Brassica pekinensis and Foeniculum vulgare var. azori-cum were stored at +10/30, +5 and –20°C for 20 years, seeds of Solanum melongena for 16 years air-tight in 2 x 100 µ PE bags.
Seed moisture content ranged from 5,1 to 8,3 %. Germination tests took place at temperatures from 10 to 307deg;C (steps of 5°C). High germination results were found after 20 years for all B. pekinensis seeds at 10 to 30°C in variant –20°C and for one origin in variant +5°C. F. var. azoricum seeds of two origins germinated after 20 years at 10 to 25°C in variant +5 and –20°C also to a high percentage. S. melongena seeds of one origin showed at the beginning a relative dormancy (after ripening). For seeds of all origins a temporary dormancy was found after seven years depending on the storage variant.
Experiments after 16 years indicated a complete breakdown of this dormancy.
Seeds of all origins germinated to a high percentage in variant –20°C after 20 years, too.

International Symposium on Sustainable Use of Plant Biodiversity to Promote New Opportunities for Horticultural Production Development

M. Kretschmer

Brassica pekinensis, Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum, Solanum melongena

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2003.598.2