BEAN SEED STORED FOR 12 YEARS USING SILICA GEL AT COMMON REFRIGERATION TEMPERATURE SHOWED HIGH VIABILITY AND GERMINATION PERCENTAGE

摘要

Department of Agroenvironmental Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagtiez, Puerto Rico, 00680ab:Bean seed storage requires specific control of temperature and humidity. Different research institutions have expensive equipment and controls to maintain and preserve germplasm viability. However, not all laboratory facilities have the recommended equipment to guarantee long term storage with no adverse effects on seed germination and vigor.During my research dealing with bacterial pathogens on the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), tepary bean (P.acutiflius A.Gray), the scarlet runner bean (P.coccineus L.) and other grain legume species, it has been necessary to maintain small quantities of seeds originating from experiments conducted at the greenhouse located in the Mayagiiez campus of the University of Puerto Rico.