The influence of gaseous environments on the storage life of Araucaria hunsteinii seed
Abstract
The effect of various gas mixtures on the longevity of hydrated seeds of Araucaria hunsteinii K. Schum. was assessed under controlled conditions. The length of storage life decreased as oxygen concentration was reduced from 21 to zero per cent. No effect of carbon dioxide on seed longevity was detected within the range 1–50 per cent when combined with 10 or 21 per cent oxygen. Ethylene at 0.01 per cent, and sealed foil or polyethylene bag storage reduced the period of seed germinability compared with that for 21 per cent oxygen. Ethanol accumulation took place in stored seeds when the environmental oxygen concentration was below a threshold value which lay between 1 and 5 per cent.
It is proposed that the observed effects of gases on longevity of hydrated seeds may be mediated through an influence on aerobic respiration rate. Practical implications of the results are considered.
Citation
TOMPSETT, P.B. (1983). The influence of gaseous environments on the storage life of Araucaria hunsteinii seed. Annals of Botany. 52 (2) 229-237
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The influence of gaseous environments on the storage life of Araucaria hunsteinii seed