Proper Environment Improves the Storage of Primed Pansy Seed

Abstract

Primed and nonprimed `Majestic Giant Yellow' pansy (viola × wittrockiana Gams.) seed had similar total germination percentages, but priming reduced the number of days to 50% of final germination by 25% and the days between 10% and 90% germination by 21%. Reducing the moisture content of nonprimed seed from 10.5% to 5.8% caused no change in total germination, but primed seed germination decreased at moisture contents below 10%. Total germination percentages of primed and non-primed seeds declined as storage temperatures were reduced from 5 to - 20C. Storing primed seed at SC and 11% relative humidity (RR) for 16 weeks reduced seed moisture contents to 8.4% and total germination by 28%. Primed seeds, after 5C storage at 75% or 95% RH for 16 weeks, contained 23.7% and 28.3% moisture, and germination had declined 31% and 48%, respectively. Primed seed stored 16 weeks at 5C and 52% RR had 12.5% seed moisture content and germination had declined by 2%. Moisture contents of primed pansy seeds must remain between 12% and 20% during 5C storage or total germination will decline and the benefits of more rapid and uniform germination are lost.