Confirmation of the Productivity of the Stored Seeds of Wheat and Two-Rowed Barley

Abstract

SummaryTo confirm the excellence in productivity of the stored seeds of wheat and two-rowed barley, we examined the growth characters and productivity of the plants developed from the seeds stored at 5°C and 40% relative humidity for various periods but showed a 80% or higher germination percentage, in comparison with those of newly harvested seeds (new seeds). The cultivars of stored seeds were identified by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. There were no differences in the morphological characters of the seedlings 3 months after emergence between the new seeds and the old seeds (stored for 2 years and 5 months) or the very old seeds (stored for 10 years and 5 months or 16 years and 5 months). On the other hand, there was a positive correlation between the top dry weight at 3 months after emergence and 1,000-grain weight of the seed. In the plants from the old seeds, no significant differences from those from new seeds were observed either in the mean heading date, maturing date, culm lengths, ear length, yield components, grain yield or inspection-grade. On the other hand, in the plants from the very old seeds, the mean heading date, maturing date, culm lengths, yield components and grain yield were significantly different from those in the new seeds in some cultivars. The results of RAPD analysis showed that the band pattern of the very old seeds was the same as that of the new seed in each cultivar. We concluded that the seeds of wheat and two-rowed barley stored for 2 years and 5 months with a germination percentage of higher than 80% are practically useful, showing normal growth characters and productivity. However, it should be noted that some cultivars had inferior grain yield after the seed storage for over 10 years.