ISHS Acta Horticulturae 215: Seed Research in Horticulture
THE INFLUENCE OF DESICCATION FOLLOWING PRETREATMENT ON GERMINATION OF LETTUCE SEEDS |
| Authors: | R. Weges, C.M. Karssen |
| Abstract:
Seeds of certain lettuce cultivars need a pretreatment to obtain full germination up to an upper temperature limit of at least 28–30 °C. Seed handling requires desiccation of the pretreated seeds. However, desiccation often results again in a reduction of the upper temperature limit. This reduction was limited if the relative humidity during desiccation was increased. Neither the rate of drying, nor the temperature during drying significantly influenced the reduction of the upper temperature limit. It is concluded that the determining factor is the seed moisture content which remains after desiccation. Drying to a moisture content of 9% instead of the usual, lower values prevents almost any reduction of the upper temperature limit. These seeds could be stored for at least 18 weeks at 2 °C without any effect on the upper temperature limit. | |
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