To prevent quantitative and qualitative seed losses, seed drying for safe storage is important. High temperature and relative humidity (r.h.) are undesirable conditions for seed storage in tropical countries. This study was conducted to evaluate a range of seed drying methods and storage conditions, with a view to selecting an appropriate method(s) for use in humid tropical countries. Pea seeds at three initial moisture contents (m.c.) of 23.8, 18.0 and 14.5 were dried to 10 m.c. before storage. The performances of four different drying methods: artificial (Kiwi Mini) dryers set at 30℃ or 45℃, natural sun drying and in-bin natural ventilation drying were tested. Dried seeds were stored under 2 conditions: open storage at 20.5℃ and 55 r.h., and closed storage at 25℃ and 90 r.h. for 20, 40, and 60 days. Deterioration of the seed due to storage conditions and drying methods used was determined by assessing effects on seed germination. Germination did not differ significantly among the selected drying methods. Conductivity, a measure of seed vigour, was also not affected by drying methods. Germination after open and closed storage for 20 days was not different from that immediately after drying, although differences appeared after 40 days storage. However, closed and open storage for 60 days significantly reduced germination to 33 and 50, respectively.
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