Evidence for Repair Processes in Onion Seeds during Storage at High Seed Moisture Contents

Abstract

Survival curves of four seed lots of onion held at 15%, 20% and 25% seed moisture content (me) and 45 ° C for 24 h showed a fall in seed germination at all moisture contents. The rate of loss of viability was less for seeds held at 20% and 25% me than that of seeds held at 15% me, with low vigour seeds showing the greatest reduction in the rate of deterioration at the high moisture contents. This is interpreted as evidence for the activation of repair processes in seeds during periods of partial seed hydration and discussed in relation to seed invigoration treatments.