“Why store seeds? After all, before the start of the summer season, you can come to the store and buy everything right away.” But it was not there. True gardeners have been planning since the fall what they will plant next year, looking for varieties of interest from familiar amateur gardeners and gardeners, and ordering rarities in online stores. And also many people collect their own seeds from their favorite varieties, so as not to look for them later somewhere and not spend extra money. There are many cases where the same variety of a crop is stored for years and decades and planted annually in the same family, delighting with good harvests.

Factors influencing safety.

Humidity seeds is the most important factor in their future germination. Seeds with high humidity during storage may germinate, become moldy, or even rot. Therefore, only well-dried seeds are always stored for storage. At home, drying is usually done on paper in a well-ventilated, warm room.

T storage temperature also affects the processes occurring in the seeds. The higher it is, the more actively the seeds breathe, and the faster the reserves oxidize nutrients in them. Therefore, the cooler it is, the longer the seeds will remain viable. Example: we did not have time to sow zinnia or marigold seeds in time, and they were left for next year. If you continue to store them in the room, then next year they may no longer germinate, partially or completely. If you put them in the refrigerator on the side shelf below, the germination rate will remain almost the same.

The best temperature for most seeds will be a slight coolness of 12-16*C. The seeds of asters, carrots and onions are stored in the cold (you can leave them for the winter in country house, or on the veranda, or on the balcony of a city apartment, not forgetting to protect it from mice). But salad seeds and root vegetables cannot be stored at low temperatures. When sowing such seeds, they usually begin to bolt early to the detriment of the harvest.

Purity implies storing seeds without additional debris getting into them, which can cause rotting, and the absence of granivorous pests, which can destroy all seed reserves in a couple of months of storage.

Air necessary for seeds to breathe, but not at all large quantities. Usually, almost all the air is removed from the seed packets. An exception may be large seeds, for example, legumes, for which air circulation prolongs life. Therefore, they are usually stored in bags or open jars in a dry place.

Darkness - also provides deep dormancy for seeds. Light stimulates germination and is not needed until sowing time.

We provide conditions!

The germination of seeds in metallized bags is very well preserved. In such good packaging, seeds from foreign companies germinate remarkably even after their expiration date. Seeds are stored well in vacuum packaging, in bags lined with film on the inside. But this only applies to new hermetically sealed bags. Opened seeds begin to actively respire and lose their viability, so it is recommended to use them as quickly as possible.

Simple paper bags That's why they're cheap because they have a shorter shelf life and fewer guarantees. Especially if such packages are sold on the street, during the spring seed sales season. Street sellers rarely monitor temperature fluctuations when storing their seeds, so purchasing even the freshest seeds from them does not guarantee good germination and good harvests. In addition, such street sellers often come across cases where seeds from one bag are poured into bags with different names of varieties. When something unknown grows, only then do gardeners begin to pay attention to the reputability of the company and the seller’s guarantees.

Where to store seeds?

It can be done in any room, just not in the kitchen, where there are frequent changes in humidity and temperature. You can pack your seeds in paper or plastic bags. The film does not allow moisture to pass through, but can allow some amount of oxygen to pass through for breathing, so it is more preferable in rooms with moist air. It is better to place the seeds somewhere closer to the floor, in the bottom drawers of cabinets, under the bed, where the temperature is much lower than somewhere on the closet.

Good to store a large number of seeds somewhere in the basement or subfield, where the temperature is constantly low. To protect from mice and from excessive dampness, the seeds can be placed in jars with hermetically sealed lids. Additionally, silica gel can provide protection against moisture. These are grains of synthetic material that absorb moisture from the air, which can be found in small bags in new shoes. Place a few of these grains in each jar, and they will take away excess moisture.

How to store?..

For novice gardeners, a large number of multi-colored bags causes at least confusion, what to do with all this wealth? Some put them in photo album files, others in binders, sorting them by type of crop. You can make additional inscriptions and notes about when to sow, what for seedlings in March, and what in open ground. It would help to add additional notes on sowing dates in your garden diary.

Many people simply sort the bags by crop into separate plastic bags. More experienced plant growers usually already have a solid collection of seeds, and they start large boxes, dividing them into departments like a card index, and storing their own category of seeds in each department. Very convenient to purchase for such purposes Plastic container– organizer for small things or tools.

Shelf life of seeds.

When storing your seeds, be sure to sign the name of the crop, variety and year of collection, so as not to subsequently store old expired seeds. The duration of storage of seeds very much depends on their belonging to a particular species or family. Seeds of onions, carrots, parsley, aster, marigolds, calendula, annual phlox, columbine, forget-me-nots, dimorphotheca are stored for very little time, 1, maximum - 2 years.

Seeds of cabbage, radish, radish, peppers and eggplants, ageratum, chrysanthemums, can be stored for 3-4 years without damage to germination. snapdragon, lavateras, mallows, petunias.

Large seeds of peas, beans, beans, pumpkin, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, cosmos, nasturtium, sweet peas, as well as celosia, amaranth, balsams, gillyflowers, lobularia, and cornflowers usually remain viable the longest.

Plants that produce fruit become more prolific when stored, therefore, for example, tomatoes, cucumbers and others are sown not in the first year after harvest, but in the 3rd year or more. Most root vegetables are best sown fresh. The expiration date of the seeds of most green and aromatic crops expires especially quickly; they are sown only fresh.

Majority indoor plants and ornamental perennials lose their germination very quickly, and it is advisable to sow them immediately after purchase.

If you have any of your own interesting options or the intricacies of storing seeds, write them in the comments, maybe today your recommendation will greatly help someone!

We will talk about how to remove seeds from dormancy, how to germinate fresh and not so fresh seeds, what are the ways to stimulate fast and friendly germination in the following articles!

Remember! Only with proper storage will the seed material produce healthy seedlings. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself in advance with the changes in biochemical processes in seeds during storage, the terms and conditions of storage, and the economic durability (germination) of seeds of various crops. Violation of storage rules will lead to a sharp decrease in germination, infection by various diseases and, as a result, a low-quality low yield with high material and labor costs.

Biochemical processes in seeds during storage

In seeds, a distinction is made between the biological and economic longevity of their ability to germinate. Biological longevity is the main interest of biologists, but economic longevity is of constant interest to practitioners. It is economic longevity that determines the standard germination capacity of seeds, which sharply decreases if storage requirements are violated.

The main reasons for the loss of seed germination are considered to be increased moisture content in the seeds and air, as well as elevated temperatures in the room where the seeds are stored.

The seeds are very hygroscopic. They are capable of absorbing water vapor from the air and releasing vaporous moisture into the environment. At optimal conditions healthy, balanced “breathing” of seeds begins (as much as you gave, you took as much). The level of such equilibrium respiration depends on the biological characteristics of the seeds and is determined by the content of starch and crude fat in the composition, the size and density of the seed integument.

When seed moisture is within 6-12%, their respiration is insignificant. An increase in humidity by 1-2% sharply increases the respiration rate of seeds and their temperature. Biochemical processes begin that lead to their loss of dry matter. As a result, germination rate sharply decreases, the seeds become moldy, may rot and die, or significantly reduce germination rate. For example, in cabbage, an increase in seed moisture by 2% of the optimal speeds up respiration by 27 times, and by 4% - by 80 times. In fact, the seeds begin to germinate untimely and, of course, die.

The optimal storage temperature for most crops from the cruciferous, pumpkin, and nightshade families is considered to be 10-12ºC with a relative indoor air humidity of no higher than 60%.

Factors influencing safety.

Seed moisture

The most important factor in their future germination. Seeds with high humidity during storage may germinate, become moldy, or even rot. Therefore, only well-dried seeds are always stored for storage. At home, drying is usually done on paper in a well-ventilated, warm room.

Storage temperature

It also affects the processes occurring in the seeds. The higher it is, the more actively the seeds respire, and the faster the nutrient reserves in them are oxidized. Therefore, the cooler it is, the longer the seeds will remain viable. Example: we did not have time to sow zinnia or marigold seeds in time, and they were left for next year. If you continue to store them in the room, then next year they may no longer germinate, partially or completely. If you put them in the refrigerator on the side shelf below, the germination rate will remain almost the same.

The best temperature for most seeds will be a slightly cool 12-16°C. The seeds of asters, carrots and onions are stored in the cold (you can leave them for the winter in a country house, or on the veranda, or on the balcony of a city apartment, not forgetting to protect them from mice). But salad seeds and root vegetables cannot be stored at low temperatures. When sowing such seeds, they usually begin to bolt early to the detriment of the harvest.

Purity

It involves storing seeds without additional debris getting into them, which can cause rotting, and the absence of granivorous pests, which can destroy all seed reserves in a couple of months of storage.

Air

It is necessary for seeds to breathe, but in very small quantities. Usually, almost all the air is removed from the seed packets. An exception may be large seeds, such as legumes, for which air circulation prolongs their life. Therefore, they are usually stored in bags or open jars in a dry place.

Lack of light

Also provides deep seed dormancy. Light stimulates germination and is not needed until sowing time.

Seed storage methods

Seeds are stored in open and closed ways.

• At open method The seeds are kept throughout their storage period in containers that easily allow air and moisture to pass through to the seeds. Such containers are containers made of natural fabrics - linen or jute, sewn in 1-2 layers (bags, pouches, sacks, etc.).
• At closed method storage (it is less common), the seeds are placed in a moisture-proof container. The soft container has 2 layers. The top one is usually made of fabric and the inner liner is polyethylene. The moisture content of seeds in polyethylene liners should not exceed 6-9%. The polyethylene liner with seeds is tightly tied to protect against moisture penetration, and the upper fabric liner is simply tightened or tied with side ears.

We provide conditions!

The germination of seeds in metallized bags is very well preserved. In such good packaging, seeds from foreign companies germinate remarkably even after their expiration date. Seeds are stored well in vacuum packaging, in bags lined with film on the inside. But this only applies to new hermetically sealed bags. Opened seeds begin to actively respire and lose their viability, so it is recommended to use them as quickly as possible.

Simple paper bags are cheap because they have a shorter shelf life and fewer guarantees. Especially if such packages are sold on the street, during the spring seed sales season. Street sellers rarely monitor temperature fluctuations when storing their seeds, so purchasing even the freshest seeds from them does not guarantee good germination and good yields.

In addition, such street sellers often come across cases where seeds from one bag are poured into bags with different names of varieties. When something unknown grows, only then do gardeners begin to pay attention to the reputability of the company and the seller’s guarantees.

The temperature and relative humidity of the warehouse air allows for long-term storage and excellent germination of seeds!

Where to store seeds?

It can be done in any room, just not in the kitchen, where there are frequent changes in humidity and temperature. You can pack your seeds in both paper and plastic bags. The film does not allow moisture to pass through, but can allow some amount of oxygen to pass through for breathing, so it is more preferable in rooms with humid air. It is better to place the seeds somewhere closer to the floor, in the bottom drawers of cabinets, under the bed, where the temperature is much lower than somewhere on the closet.

It is good to store a large number of seeds somewhere in the basement or subfield, where the temperature is constantly low. To protect from mice and from excessive dampness, the seeds can be placed in jars with hermetically sealed lids. Additionally, silica gel can provide protection against moisture. These are grains of synthetic material that absorb moisture from the air, which can be found in small bags in new shoes. Place a few of these grains in each jar, and they will take away excess moisture.

How to store?

For novice gardeners, a large number of multi-colored bags causes at least confusion, what to do with all this wealth? Some put them in photo album files, others in binders, sorting them by type of crop. You can make additional inscriptions and notes about when to sow, what for seedlings in March, and what in open ground. It would help to add additional notes on sowing dates in your garden diary.

Many people simply sort the bags by crop into separate plastic bags. More experienced plant growers usually already have a solid collection of seeds, and they start large boxes, dividing them into departments like a card index, and storing their own category of seeds in each department. It is very convenient to purchase a plastic container for such purposes - an organizer for small items or tools.

Duration of seed germination

The shelf life of seeds is indicated on the label along with the name, year of collection, and class. This data is necessary to obtain full-fledged seedlings, since when stored beyond the prescribed period, germination sharply decreases, and seedlings have very low immunity to damage by diseases and pests.

The grade indicated on the label characterizes the percentage of seed germination. Seeds of the first class have the highest germination rate, which is 60-95% for different crops. Seeds of the second class - 40-85%. The germination percentage will help the gardener more accurately determine the planting density of the crop.

When properly stored, vegetable seeds retain high germination within the following periods:

• 1-2 years: , ;
• 2-3 years: , ;
• 3-4 years: ,

The need to store seeds is related to biological characteristics different types plants, sowing dates, characteristics of the seed production system and other factors. Some seeds after harvesting have low germination (coriander, clary sage), or do not germinate at all (ginseng). Legumes have so-called “hard seeds” that are not even capable of swelling.

Seeds of winter plants are sown within 1.0–1.5 months after harvesting, and seeds of spring plants – after 7–8 months. In the seed production system, there are transitional, state and insurance funds, which are stored from 1 to 5 or more years.

In all cases of storage, as N.N. Kuleshov believed: “... by the time of sowing, the seeds must have high germination and the ability to produce healthy and strong plants of the next generation.” The expressed idea has both theoretical and practical implications. In this regard, the purpose of this article is to highlight the most important issues related to seed storage and longevity: viability depending on conditions environment during cultivation and storage, variability in the biochemical composition, physiological state, anatomical structure and biological properties of seeds during storage.

The state of preservation of seed quality largely depends on the growing conditions of mother plants, harvesting and storage conditions. Depending on the growing conditions, various quality parameters of seeds change significantly: chemical composition and physiological state, physical and mechanical properties, disease and pest damage, genetic characteristics, as well as biological properties (pecking activity, germination energy, germination, intensity of seedling growth, yield properties).

During storage, seeds are exposed to both endogenous , so exogenous factors. TO endogenous factors include physiological, biochemical, genetic and structural changes occurring within the seed. Exogenous factors are divided into four main groups: meteorological , physical , chemical And biotic . Meteorological factors include: temperature, light, moisture, air. Physical factors– ionizing and other types electromagnetic radiation. For the purpose of seed treatment, they are reproduced induced by means of special devices, but some of them occur spontaneously in nature in different doses, acting on living organisms. Among the chemical factors acting on seeds during storage, the most common are disinfectants, fumigants, defoliants and desiccants, various preservatives, chemical mutagens, and the like. The effect of chemical agents depends on the norms, duration and exposure of the action, and the conditions under which they come into contact with the seeds. To the main biotic factors Those that affect seeds during storage include microorganisms that cause diseases, as well as pests.

Depending on the dose and exposure of the action of physical and chemical factors on the seeds, as well as the conditions under which it occurs, the effect can be different - stimulating, inhibitory, mutagenic or lethal.

There are two periods during seed storage: in the first period, post-harvest ripening occurs, as a result of which the properties of the seeds improve; in the second period, the aging of the seeds occurs, which, as a rule, leads to their deterioration. The variability of seeds during storage is determined by the physiological, biochemical, structural, biological and genetic transformations that occur in them.

Plant growing conditions and seed harvesting regime

The longevity of seeds largely depends on the development conditions of the mother plants - the density of the stem, the level of provision of basic nutrients and microelements, the degree of lodging, disease and pest damage. When grown for seed purposes, complete mineral fertilizer with a predominance of phosphorus.

The quality of seeds is affected by harvesting conditions. Seeds with the best properties are obtained by separately harvesting grain plants. They are also more stable during storage. It has a particularly detrimental effect on the seeds of standing grain mass and long stay in windrows. At the same time, there is a strong spread of infection, damage by pests and environmental trauma to the seeds.

Meteorological conditions during the period of their formation significantly affect the storage of seeds. Research conducted at the Mironovsky Wheat Institute named after. V.N. Craft, it was established that winter wheat seeds grown in less favorable years(from flowering to harvesting, 265 and 175 mm of precipitation fell, respectively), during one year of storage, the sowing properties decreased more than in the seeds of the harvest, when 88 mm of precipitation fell and the temperature regime was better. Significant variability in the quality of seeds during storage was noted depending on the place of their cultivation. Seeds grown in favorable soil and climatic conditions were preserved significantly better for one year than those reproduced, where the soils are less fertile and during the period of seed formation and harvesting there is more precipitation at a lower temperature.

Seed moisture and ambient temperature

The most important factor determining the stability of seeds during storage is their moisture content. It was found that when the humidity of rye changed from 13% to 17% after one year of storage, germination decreased by 15%. When winter wheat seeds were stored for ten years with a moisture content of 13%, laboratory germination decreased from 96% to 69%, and seeds with a moisture content of 15% lost viability.

By drying the seeds to a level below normal humidity, their ability to germinate is well preserved for 25 months. At humidity above the standard, a significant decrease in germination is observed after ten months of storage. During storage wet seeds significant losses of dry matter are observed due to intense respiration and microbial activity. When storing seeds with a moisture content of 22%, the loss of dry matter is 1 kg per 1 ton per day. In this case, 180 g of carbohydrates are oxidized, which is accompanied by the release of 674 kcal of heat. For the vital activity of microorganisms, the optimal environment is created at a seed moisture content of 18% and a temperature of 20°C. Therefore, without seeds, they can be stored at a humidity of 20% for no more than six days, 20–25% for five days, above 25% for 1–2 days.

Thorough post-harvest cleaning of seeds provides a significant increase in the duration of its storage. In experiments with rye at a humidity of 17%, traces of mold in cleaned seeds were detected after 68 days, with contamination of 2% - after 46 days and 4% - after 10 days.

The best temperature for storing seeds is 5–10°C, but this temperature can only be maintained using air conditioners, which is quite expensive. Therefore, this temperature is maintained in the storage of collection samples. Under production conditions, seeds are stored at natural temperatures, therefore, when humidity is more than 15% and the temperature rises above 10°C, the duration of safe storage of seeds is sharply reduced (Table 1).

In the conditions of Ukraine, air temperatures in summer often reach 30°C or more, so great attention should be paid to the moisture content of seeds (especially insurance and transition funds) in storage and storage areas, as well as during harvesting. An increase in the humidity and temperature of a seed lot or part of it can lead to self-heating, that is, to a spontaneous increase in the temperature of the seed mass above the ambient temperature. When self-heating, seeds lose their viability very quickly. Thus, during the harvesting period, one or two days of self-warming leads to a decrease in germination by 5–10%. To prevent self-heating, the seeds must be cleaned of impurities (especially wet ones) and, if necessary, dried. If self-warming has begun, then measures must be taken to eliminate it.

Table 1

Duration of stable storage of grain seeds depending on humidity and temperature, days

Humidity, %	Temperature, °C
	Long term
	Long term
	Long term

Effect of temperature on seed moisture during storage it manifests itself in a complex manner. General pattern is such that the higher the temperature at a given humidity level, the faster the seeds lose their viability. As the temperature and humidity of the seeds increase, the respiration rate increases significantly.

The process of breathing releases chemical energy, which is converted into heat. This leads to self-warming of the seeds. An environment favorable for the development of fungi is created. A rotten smell appears in the grain mass. Therefore, for a specialist involved in processing and storing seeds, their smell should be the primary indicator of the condition of the seeds.

In addition, at elevated temperatures there is change in protein structure : They coagulate and turn into an insoluble protein mass. Coagulation often

leads to denaturation (Fig. 1).

In most cases, proteins lose their biological activity when denatured. Consequently, the process of protein denaturation blocks the enzymatic system and disrupts the entire metabolism. Seeds in which such transformations occur experience significant negative changes: germination energy and laboratory germination are reduced or their viability is completely lost. In experiments, it was found that when the moisture content of winter wheat seeds was 29% and 32% and the heating temperature was 50 °C, the activity of the catalase enzyme decreased by 20–25%, and at 55 °C complete inactivation of the enzyme occurred.

Rice. 1. Denaturation of proteins during heat treatment: A– native protein; b– denatured protein

At a humidity of 18%, noticeable inactivation of catalase was observed at 65 °C. Sub-zero temperatures create favorable environment for storing seeds of most plants. Scientist L. Barton found that the tree species she studied maintained germination better at minus 18 °C than at temperatures of minus 11 °C and minus 4 °C. When temporarily preserving wet seeds, cooling in the range from plus 2 to minus 4 °C gives a good result.

High efficiency is observed when storing frozen seeds of wheat, rye, oats, barley and various fodder plants. At a temperature of minus 20 °C for nine years, their germination rate remained almost unchanged, while in laboratory conditions it decreased to 30–74%.

Scientists believe that in the zone permafrost It is possible to provide long-term storage of plant genetic fund much cheaper and more reliably than in conventional seed storage facilities.

Experience in canning and storing seeds of cereal grains, sorghum, corn, soybeans, sunflowers and other plants has been accumulated at the Crimean Institute. Under any conditions, the seeds of even such a difficult plant for post-harvest processing as sorghum have high sowing conditions. This experience is studied and implemented.

Hermetic content of seeds during storage in different containers (containers, jute, propylene and film bags, paper bags, metal boxes) ensures high germination for three years.

Storing seeds under a vacuum from 10–1 to 10–2 Mbar makes it possible to preserve germination energy very for a long time.

Of particular interest is the method of storing seeds in climate chambers developed at the Siberian Research Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is based on supporting a complex of factors in optimal mode. The seeds are contained in hermetically sealed glass containers, packed in thermostabilizing foam blocks. Before storing, the seeds are dried at a temperature of 40 ° C to 4–7% humidity. The temperature in the chamber is maintained at 4±0.5 °C forced ventilation air.

The influence of environmental temperature, type of container and growth regulators on the resistance of seeds to storage

Preservation of plant genetic resources is one of the main tasks of humanity, its responsibility to subsequent generations. World experience has proven that for species that reproduce by seeds, the most reliable method of long-term storage is gene banks. However, even in this case, samples are lost. One of the important problems is the creation of conditions that would ensure the preservation of seeds of different plant species in a state of high viability and genetic authenticity and integrity.

In recent decades, various growth regulators of organic and synthetic origin have been widely studied and implemented in the scientific field and production. The industry supplies the market with a fairly wide variety of such drugs. We believe that it is advisable to test these preparations for their ability to increase the storage resistance of seeds of different plant species. In particular, essential oil and medicinal plants have been little studied in this regard.

In this regard, on the basis of an agreement on joint research between the Institute of Plant Science. V. Ya. Yuryev NAAS of Ukraine, the National Center for Genetic Resources of Ukraine (Kharkov) and the Research Institute of Seed Production of the Southern Branch National University Nature Management and Bioresources "KATU" conducted a study of the effect of a number of drugs on the resistance to storage of seeds of essential oil plants - fennel, coriander, anise and clary sage.

Before storing, seed samples were treated with a growth stimulator Emistim S , microbiological preparations Agrophil , BSP , FMB . The studies were carried out using a special technique. The seeds were dried in a chamber with an MD 600 air dryer (Munters, Sweden) at a temperature of 20–25 °C and relative humidity air 20–25%. Drying time is 10–15 days, depending on the type of plant and initial humidity.

Storage of seeds, dehydrated to a certain moisture level of each plant species, was carried out in hermetically sealed containers - glass bottles and multilayer foil bags. Control seeds were stored in glass containers and foil bags in three temperature conditions: block No. 1 - under unregulated temperature conditions, block No. 2 - in the refrigeration chamber (Huurre, Finland) at 4 ° C, block No. 3 - in freezer at minus 18–20 °C. Samples treated with drugs were stored only in block No. 1 in glass bottles.

Before storing, as well as after three, six and nine years of storage, the main parameters of the sowing properties of seeds were analyzed.

Table 2 shows the results of germination of seeds of essential oil plants treated with growth regulators when stored in glass containers under unregulated temperature conditions.

From these data it is clear that laboratory germination of clary sage seeds after three years of storage increased by 7%. It is known that the seeds of this type of essential oil plants are marked by deep organic dormancy, which is removed as a result of long post-harvest ripening. In order to remove it from dormancy, the seeds of clary sage in the Crimean conditions are sown before winter and only in the spring do full shoots appear.

The germination rate of anise and coriander did not change over three years of storage. In fennel, seed germination was low (42%), indicating the presence of deep organic dormancy. After three years of storage, the germination rate of fennel seeds almost doubled – to 75%. After 6 years of storage under unregulated temperature conditions, the germination of clary sage seeds decreased by 9%, anise by 4%, and coriander by 47%. The germination rate of fennel seeds increased by 28% compared to the original one, and decreased by 5% compared to three years of storage.

table 2

The influence of growth regulators on the dynamics of laboratory germination of seeds of essential oil plants during storage

Option		Plant species
		Clary sage	Anise	Coriander	Fennel
Control
Emistim S

The effect of growth regulators on the germination of seeds of different types of essential oil plants was different. All preparations for storing clary sage seeds were quite effective: during six-year storage under control, the germination of seeds was 78%, while for seeds treated with the preparation FMB it was 12% higher, BSP – 20 %, Agrofilom – 21% and Emistim WITH – 18 %.

The germination of anise seeds treated with different growth regulators was almost unchanged in comparison with the control. The effectiveness of the drugs turned out to be quite high BSP , Agrophil And Emistim S on the safety of coriander seeds - the excess of germination over the control ranged from 22% to 45%. The greatest stimulating effect on the safety of fennel seeds (increase in germination by 9%) was shown by Agrophil , other drugs were less effective. The best drugs for treating seeds for long-term storage is: clary sage – Agrophil , BSP And Emistim S ; coriander – BSP And Agrophil ; fennel – Agrophil .

The germination of anise seeds treated with different growth regulators, in comparison with the control, both during three and six years of storage, remained almost unchanged.

Variability of seed microstructure

The microstructure of cereal seeds is determined by the ratio of small and large starch grains, the protein matrix, the protein attached to the starch grains, and the presence of air cavities. As a result of germination, fungal damage, self-heating, pest damage and the influence of other factors, the structure of the seeds undergoes significant changes. During germination, grains of corn, wheat, and rice undergo noticeable transformations: the shells and aleurone layer swell greatly and increase in size. Cavities appear in the cells of the aleurone layer, since proteins are partially consumed to nourish the embryo. The microstructure of the central part of the endosperm changes as a result of the use of proteins and starch for germination. A large number of air cavities appear, the endosperm becomes loose and fragile. Due to the irreversibility of germination processes, even swollen seeds are unable to ensure normal germination.

If seeds are stored improperly, mold fungi develop on the surface and in the middle of the grains. In this case, the fruit and seed shells are destroyed and mold penetrates the endosperm. Under the action of enzymes secreted by fungi, the cells of the aleurone layer and endosperm are destroyed, their surface from smooth and shiny turns into spongy, and air cavities are formed. As a result, the structure of the endosperm becomes loose and fragile.

If there is excess moisture in the seeds during storage, due to an increase in the respiration rate of the grain mass and other biotic components (microorganisms, insects), the temperature rises to 55–65 °C, or even 70–75 °C. This phenomenon is called self-heating. It is accompanied by hydrolytic processes and intensive development of mold fungi. As a result of starch hydrolysis, the seeds acquire false glassiness. At the same time, the anatomical structure of all parts of the grain changes. The consistency of the hyaloplasm of the endosperm cells becomes as if frozen, the starch grains are damaged by enzymes. The protein matrix of the endosperm is partially consumed for the respiration and vital activity of fungi. As a result, air cavities are formed and the endosperm becomes loose.

Seed damage turtle bug occurs under field conditions when the insect, along with saliva, introduces proteolytic, amylolytic and lipolytic enzymes into the endosperm. Active enzymatic reactions cause the destruction of the protein matrix and starch grains. The gluten in damaged grain becomes rarefied, darkens, or is not washed off at all. The grain becomes loose and the endosperm becomes fragile.

Thus, as a result of germination, fungal damage, self-warming and damage by the turtle bug, deep microstructural disturbances occur in the seeds, which lead to changes in their biochemical composition and physiological state. As a result, the biological properties of the seeds are significantly reduced or the viability is completely lost, which excludes the possibility of using them as seed material.

Chemical and mutagenic factors

A study of the effect of various chemical factors showed that desiccants (magnesium chlorate, reglon, etc.), while accelerating ripening, do not affect grain and vegetable plants during storage.

Long-term maintenance of spring wheat seeds in gaseous nitrogen and carbon dioxide does not have any effect on germination energy and germination.

Interesting data on reparation through chemicals biological properties of durum wheat seeds, which have undergone natural aging as a result of two-year storage. When they were treated with fusicoccin sulfuric acid and sodium phosphate, as well as potassium, germination increased by 20% or more. Reparation is carried out more successfully when the aging process of seeds occurs at low humidity.

During seed storage, profound disturbances in metabolic processes occur. As a result, various waste products accumulate in them in large quantities, many of which exhibit a mutagenic effect. It has been proven that as spring barley seeds are stored, the frequency of spontaneous chromosomal aberrations increases. Thus, after seven years of storage, 6.3% of chromosomes with abnormalities were found in mitosis of sprouts, while only 2% were found in sprouts of freshly harvested seeds.

Along with the natural mutation process, when corn seeds are stored, the intensity of the occurrence of induced mutations also increases. The mutation process during seed storage is not uncontrollable. It has been established that by washing old seeds running water and them pre-sowing treatment extracts from germinating seeds - donors of barley and wheat - can significantly reduce the level of cell mutation.

Seed aging and longevity

The reverse reactions of seeds to the action of various factors during storage, expressed in the variability of microstructure, physiological state, biochemical properties and genetic characteristics, determine the duration of storage viability or its durability.

Distinguish biological And economic seed longevity. Biological longevity is the length of the period during which seeds retain the ability to germinate. Economic longevity is the length of the period during which seeds are able to germinate and provide a normal harvest of offspring.

The longevity of seeds, like the entire process of their aging, depends on endogenous and exogenous factors. The causes and consequences of the aging process during seed storage have already been described above. They also determine the duration of the period of maintaining its viability.

Below we analyze the main metabolic processes leading to a decrease in seed longevity. This is, first of all, the aging of the endosperm. When transplanting embryos onto the endosperm of another seed, it was found that the older the endosperm, the weaker the growth of the transplanted embryo.

Breathing intensity - one of the most important parameters metabolism during seed storage. Long-lived seeds tend to have reduced respiration. Increased respiration precedes loss of viability, which is most often associated with an increase in seed moisture and the intensity of microorganism development.

Loss of seed viability is often associated with the consumption of proteins and carbohydrates. Under normal storage conditions, the content of these substances in seeds changes slightly. During atmospheric storage carbon dioxide starch disappears and the amount of sucrose and monosaccharides increases, with the overall carbohydrate content remaining unchanged. During dry storage, the viability of seeds may decrease as a result of gradual coagulation of germ proteins, although the quantitative protein content is slightly affected by storage time.

Japanese scientists found that when stored for 46–84 years, the content of fats and sugars in rice seeds decreased, while the amount of proteins, starch, crude fiber and ash did not change compared to freshly harvested seeds. Germination was completely lost. When seeds age, the content of such physiologically active substances, like vitamins and auxins, decreases. Organic acids serve as a kind of test for the degree of seed viability. An increase in their quantity during storage is usually accompanied by a loss of germination. As seeds are stored, intensive accumulation of inhibitors and toxins occurs. It has been shown that seed aging is associated with changes in the content of nucleic acids in the tissues of the embryo. In seeds with lower germination energy, total RNA synthesis was 42% compared to seeds with higher germination energy.

There is rather conflicting data regarding the longevity of seeds. When storing chamomile seeds for 1 to 7 years, the germination rate was respectively: 92; 83; 64; 40; 18; 9 and 2%. Clary sage seeds harvested in 1993, 1995, 1998, 1999 and 2001, when analyzed in 2002, had a germination percentage of 8, 67, 84, 67 and 98, respectively.

A large research program is proposed at the Russian National Seed Vault, where the world's largest plant gene pool, created by N. I. Vavilov, is stored. This collection was grown and stored for a long time at the VIR base in St. Petersburg. However, the unfavorable soil and climatic conditions of this region negatively affected the formation of seeds and, consequently, the process of their storage. In this regard, in one of the favorable regions of Russia in this regard - Krasnodar region(Armavir) - a unique complex was created for growing, storing and studying seeds of several hundred thousand different forms plants.

The National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine was created on the basis of the Institute of Plant Science of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. More than 140,000 samples have been collected here to store the plant genetic fund. An extensive research program is being conducted on the problems of seed storage.

Autumn and winter are a great time to plan future plantings and purchase seeds; today we will figure out how and where to store seeds correctly, and how to keep the treasured bags in order. How to store seeds collected yourself, let's consider the most convenient way seed storage.

Storing purchased seed packets

• • I connect the bags with a rubber band for money. I divide by manufacturer and type. It is convenient to remove and insert seeds from under the gum; it is also convenient to see the name of the variety or hybrid
  • If the bag is already open, but the seeds remain, I close it with a paper clip
  • I store the bags in a box, inside the box there are cells
    I place the seeds in them, again there is logic here so that everything is clear and convenient - according to planting time, type, manufacturer

The main box and the box with cells are two different ones.

Such boxes can be purchased on Aliexpress, they will be called organizers or storage cases. It’s more convenient for me to order on ozone, the price is about the same as on Ali, but fast delivery.

• The height of the main box should be at least 15-16 cm

Boxes with dividers.
It would be good if the dividers inside the box were tight, but such cases are more expensive

This method seemed to me the most convenient, compact and not particularly expensive.

Video about seed storage

Rules for storing seeds:

• The main rule is to maintain dryness.
• Therefore, we store the seeds in a dry, preferably cool, room.
• Seeds must be in closed, in the dark, away from heating devices, from wet rooms and curious tailed gardeners :)

• In an apartment, it is difficult to achieve ideal temperature and humidity, and you just need to follow the basic rules that I gave above: a closed, dark, cool place. I keep it in the closet in the hallway.

Storing collected seeds at home

• I store my seeds in plastic boxes. What I like most is the pill boxes, they have a sticker with information on them. There are a lot of different boxes. You can choose any shape, size, color.
• Such containers will protect the seeds from moisture. and this is a great find - with a minimum of effort it turns out to be practical, convenient, and beautiful. Seeds are distributed into containers very quickly and take up little space
• There are no problems with germination
• Store in a dark place

The most common question is what kind of tubes are these - a tube for handicrafts.

Seed storage temperature

Seeds are perfectly stored in closed packages or containers. room temperature and do not lose their viability.

Is it possible to store seeds in the cold, at sub-zero temperatures?

• Yes, the seeds do not lose their viability when low temperatures, but before such storage, the seeds must be well dried and stored without access to moisture
• However, sudden seeding and changes in temperature and humidity can have a detrimental effect on seed germination

Can seeds be stored in the refrigerator?

You can store seeds in the refrigerator, but you should consider some nuances:

• store the seeds where there is no access to moisture
• store the seeds where there is no temperature difference (storing on the door is not suitable)

If you decide to store the seeds in the refrigerator, it is best to store the seeds in vegetable containers.

At the end of autumn and winter, gardeners begin to plant seeds and prepare for the next season. Already in early spring you need to grow seedlings, plant early varieties vegetables

Those seedlings that were kept in appropriate conditions will produce good seedlings. Therefore, it is important to know how to store seeds correctly.

1 What affects safety?

There are several factors that influence the storage of planting material. These include:

1. Cold. The lower the degrees, the longer the seedlings do not lose their viability. Warm air promotes rapid oxidation of nutrients. Many novice gardeners are interested in what temperature seeds should be stored at. For most seeds +12-16 degrees is suitable. Some seedlings love the cold, others cannot be left at low degrees.
2. Humidity. With high humidity, seedlings can become moldy, germinate and even rot. Therefore, you need to store well-dried seeds. The room needs to be ventilated a little. Optimal humidity should be no more than 50%. For cucumber, radish, tomato, beans permissible norm - 60%;
3. Purity. No debris should get into the planting material. It can cause rotting and will appear that will destroy the seedlings.
4. Air. Air currents promote seed respiration. Typically, large seeds are stored in open containers for better air circulation. This is especially true for legumes.
5. Darkness. The absence of light helps to preserve the dormancy of seeds and prevents them from germinating. Before sowing, they are stored in complete darkness.

Due to non-compliance with these factors, planting material may lose its germination properties. The main reason for poor germination is high humidity. Therefore, the collected planting material is dried outdoors or indoors.

Lay out on newspaper or paper so that all moisture is absorbed. You cannot dry them under the sun, but you can dry them near a radiator. If the room is 20–25 degrees, the seeds will dry out in a few days.

1.1 How and where to store?

There are two ways to keep seeds:

1. Open. The planting material is in a container that allows moisture and air to pass through it well. Bags made from natural fabrics are suitable. They can be sewn from linen in one or two layers.
2. Closed. This method is used less frequently. It is necessary to place the planting material in a soft container made of waterproof material. The container must consist of two layers: fabric and polyethylene.

Experienced gardeners know how to properly store vegetable seeds. It is advised to place them in paper bags, and then in plastic bottles or jars. If the seeds from the purchased bag are not completely used, you can leave them in it, carefully wrapping them.

To the bottom glass jars And plastic bottles It is recommended to sprinkle a little starch or flour. They will help absorb excess moisture. The lid of the container is tightly closed. It is necessary to store planting material in the refrigerator or in a cool room.

It can also be kept in a room where there are no changes in humidity. Kitchen - no best room for this. It is advised to place the seedlings closer to the floor, in the bottom drawers of the cabinet. It is good to keep the seeds in the basement or where the air temperature is low. In this case, you will have to close the jars to prevent mice from getting into them. Seeds stored in bags or bags can become damp, so to keep them in the cellar, they are poured into dry bottles, tightly closed and stored all winter.

It is very convenient to keep planting material in plastic boxes with compartments for each type of crop. Containers or organizers for small items are suitable.

1.2 How to properly store seeds of various crops? (video)

1.3 Period of use

You can see the date by which you need to use the seeds on the packaging. It usually indicates the year of collection and class. It is necessary to know the expiration date in order to obtain full-fledged shoots. If the seeds were not planted before the specified date, their germination rate will be greatly reduced, the seedlings will get sick and be susceptible to pests.

Seeds usually last longer than stated on the package. Some gardeners buy seedlings that they received the previous year. This is especially true for dill, parsley and other vegetables with a short shelf life. Many indoor and perennials They lose their germination quickly, so they are planted immediately after purchase.

Each vegetable crop your seed shelf life. For example, for onions it is 1–2 years, and for tomatoes it can reach up to 10 years. Planting material for parsley and dill is stored for 2 to 3 years, and carrots and peppers for 3–4 years. The shelf life of zucchini and eggplant seeds is 4 years, radish, watermelon, beets and pumpkin - 4–5 years.

Flower seeds also have different shelf life. So, for example, aster planting material is stored less than a year, for calendula and verbena the lifespan is 1–2 years, for chrysanthemum and dahlia - 2–3 years, for milk thistle and flax - 3 years, for cornflower - 5–6 years.

There are several rules for storing seeds, which help to get a full harvest:

• seeds purchased in the winter season are immediately placed in the refrigerator or stored in a cool place. This is necessary so that condensation does not form in the bags, which increases the moisture content of the seeds;
• freshly harvested seeds germinate less well than those collected from the previous year's harvest. This applies to the northern regions of the country;
• before sowing, it is recommended to check the seeds for germination, even if they were stored in ideal conditions;
• no need to stock up planting material for future use;
• Marks should be made on bags with seedlings indicating when to sow this type of crop.

It is also important to choose the right seeds. It’s better to go to a flower or specialty store for them. It is advised to choose trusted manufacturers and pay attention to the expiration date. You need to choose varieties that are suitable for a given region, get carried away exotic plants not worth it.

It is important to know that they will not be able to retain their properties in future generations, so they will have to be purchased every season.

But they are more resistant to disease and develop quickly, producing a stable harvest. The bags containing hybrid materials are marked F1.