Carbon offsetting and reforestation projects depend on high quality seeds, yet we lack valuable information about storage and germination rates of many tropical tree species.
At what temperature can I safely dry orthodox tree species seeds, so I can store them for months or years? Afzelia quanzensis, Erythrophleum suaevolens and Albizia gummifera are some of the species I am working on.
Working in a rainforest environment and with very little infrastructures means that a sealed dry-room with a dehumidifier is not an option, and I can dry seeds only using a drying hot-air (that can be set between 30 and 90°C) cabinet and silica gel. I will try to stay as low as possible.
Thanks for any input or first hand experience!
Sun dried seeds are more effective for storage than hot air-dried seeds, but under specific circumstances since the seeds may be maintained below 60°C for 10-15 min (not suggested to exceed 40°C if the seed coat is undeniably thin). Intermediated monitoring employing moisture-proof and air-tight jars or bags is recommended (use of polythene lined bags to retain low moisture will be useful). Fumigants such as methyl bromide or magnesium phosphide treatment will be more appropriate for fumigation in a wet environment (not entertained by untrained person). Sanitation and moisture-free storage will undoubtedly aid in the vitality of the seed.
For more details check out the link
https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/post-harvest-technologies/technologies-for-agri-horti-crops/post-harvest-management-of-pulses/stored-grain-pests-and-their-control#:~:text=Depending%20on%20weather%20methyl%20bromide,the%20grain%20mass%2C%20is%20simpler.
Please, go through this link, Good luck
https://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/bioversity/publications/Web_version/188/ch06.htm
You have to store fresh seeds at minus 18 degrees C with minimum environmental moisture. You do not dry them first :)
https://www.fao.org/3/AD232E/AD232E05.htm
The information you can access with this link can help you understand the agenda you raised.
Thank you!
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