Long-term storage of grass seeds

Abstract

Seeds of crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn., intermediate wheatgrass, A. intermedium (Host.) Beauv., and smooth bromegrass, Bromus inermis Leyss., were stored for 20 yr under various conditions. Temperature was a major factor affecting success with viability inversely related to storage temperature. At -7 and - l8'C, viabilities of 80-9070 were shown after 2O yr storage. Drying seed for 7.5 h at 60"C prior to storage gave little improvement over undried seed stored with 87o moisture. Plastic bags gave storage as good as glass jars with screw-top lids, although plastic bags were less effective in excluding moisture. It was concluded that adequate germination for reproduction of strains could be obtained after 25-30 yr of storage.