The effect of temperature and humidity of storage on maize seed quality

Abstract

Orthodox seed storage involves storage conditions under low temperature and humidity. Various factors affecting seed storage include: the initial moisture content of seeds, the use of packaging or an airtight packaging and low temperature storage system. Seed storage using different temperatures and humidity will affect the quality of the seeds during the storage period. Storage using room temperature is very crucial particularly on seeds that have deteriorated during handling process prior to storage. In addition, the rate of seed quality decline is relatively drastic. The use of low temperature and air humidity can keep the viability and vigor of seeds even though it has deteriorated. Thus, the quality of seeds during the storage period is strongly influenced by the quality of the initial seed (before storage), seed moisture content, temperature and humidity during the storage period.