The Effects of Storage Conditions on Seed Deterioration and Ageing: How to Improve Seed Longevity

Abstract

Seeds are classified as either: orthodox, seeds that tolerate dehydration; recalcitrant, seeds that are high in moisture content and cannot withstand intensive desiccation; or intermediate, seeds that survive dehydration but die during dry storage at low temperatures. Seed lifespan depends on the seed category and also varies from one species to another. The rate of loss of vigor and viability of orthodox seeds depends mainly on temperature and seed moisture content (MC); the lower the MC and storage temperature, the longer the longevity. Ultimately, storage in liquid nitrogen or seed ultra-drying by well-adapted processes should allow for long-term storage. The ageing of orthodox seeds is associated with numerous forms of cellular and metabolic damage (membrane integrity, energy metabolism, and the impairment of DNA, RNA, and proteins) in which reactive oxygen species play a prominent role. Interestingly, priming treatment can reinvigorate aged seeds by restoring the antioxidant systems. The storage of recalcitrant seeds is very difficult since they must be placed in a wet medium to avoid dehydration and at temperatures low enough to prevent germination but warm enough to avoid chilling injury. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in ageing is necessary to identify markers in order to estimate seed longevity.

An Evaluation of Recycled Papers as Storage and Germination Medium of Vegetable Seeds

“…Significant quantities of paper waste have been accumulated in recent years due to environmental concerns, highlighting the need for reuse and recycling, much like the varying lifespans of seeds, which depend greatly on species despite identical treatment and storage conditions [1,2]. Meanwhile, with wasted paper and paper products constituting for over a third of landfill waste, the paper industry generates significant quantities of waste, contributing to landfill overflow [3,4].…”