[Link] objectives At the end of the lesson the student must be able to:1.
Define the
important terms use in Postharvest Handling [Link] the Postharvest handling historical
development 3. Explain the importance of postharvest and storage of crops and of seeds andseed
technology [Link] of termsAging – any increment of time which may (or may not)
accompanied by physiologicalchange. Bulk- Unpackaged produce which may be in direct contact
with the transportation unitand/or the atmosphere. Classification- Grouping of produce in classes
based on quality levels in relation torelevant parameters. Clean : Free from visible foreign matter.
Climacteric period - the period in the development of some plant parts that involves aseries of
biochemical changes associated with the natural respiratory rise andautocatalytic production of
ethylene
Post-Harvest Handling and Seed Storage
1. Post-Harvest Handling of Seeds
Post-harvest handling refers to all operations carried out after harvesting the seed crop to
maintain seed quality and viability until storage and marketing.
Objectives
Preserve seed viability and vigour.
Minimize mechanical damage.
Prevent deterioration due to moisture, insects, and diseases.
Maintain genetic and physical purity.
Steps in Post-Harvest Handling
a) Harvesting
Harvest at physiological maturity when seeds attain maximum dry weight and vigour.
Timely harvesting prevents shattering, weather damage, and pest infestation.
b) Drying
Reduce seed moisture content to safe storage levels.
Drying methods:
o Sun drying
o Shade drying
o Forced-air drying
o Mechanical drying
Recommended moisture content for storage:
Cereals: 10–12%
Pulses: 8–10%
Oilseeds: 7–8%
c) Threshing and Extraction
Separate seeds from fruits, pods, heads, or cobs.
Can be done manually or mechanically.
Avoid excessive force to prevent seed injury.
d) Cleaning
Remove inert matter, broken seeds, weed seeds, and other contaminants.
Equipment used:
o Air-screen cleaner
o Specific gravity separator
o Spiral separator
e) Grading
Seeds are graded based on size, shape, density, and weight.
Improves uniformity and planting value.
f) Seed Treatment
Protects seeds from storage fungi and insects.
Fungicides, insecticides, bioagents, or polymer coatings may be used.
g) Packaging
Use suitable containers such as:
o Cloth bags
o HDPE bags
o Polythene-lined bags
o Aluminium foil packets for breeder seeds
2. Seed Storage
Seed storage is the preservation of seeds under suitable environmental conditions to maintain
viability and vigour from harvest until planting.
Principles of Seed Storage
Harrington's Thumb Rules
1. For every 1% decrease in seed moisture content, storage life doubles.
2. For every 5.6°C (10°F) decrease in temperature, storage life doubles.
3. Sum of storage temperature (°F) and relative humidity (%) should not exceed 100.
Factors Affecting Seed Storage
Internal Factors
1. Genetic constitution of seed
2. Initial seed quality
3. Seed maturity
4. Seed moisture content
5. Seed health
External Factors
1. Temperature
2. Relative humidity
3. Oxygen availability
4. Storage pests
5. Storage structures
Types of Seed Storage
1. Short-Term Storage
Duration: Up to 1 year
Used for commercial seed distribution.
2. Medium-Term Storage
Duration: 1–10 years
Used in seed banks and breeding programmes.
3. Long-Term Storage
Duration: More than 10 years
Used for germplasm conservation.
Storage Conditions
Seed Type Safe Moisture Content (%)
Cereals 10–12
Pulses 8–10
Oilseeds 7–8
Vegetable Seeds 5–8
Ideal Storage Environment
Temperature: 5–15°C
Relative Humidity: Below 50%
Dry, clean, insect-free storage rooms
Types of Seed Storage Facilities
Conventional Storage
Godowns
Warehouses
Seed bins
Controlled Storage
Cold storage
Air-conditioned storage
Gene Banks
Base collection: –18°C to –20°C
Active collection: 0–10°C
Seed Deterioration During Storage
Causes
High moisture content
High temperature
Fungal infection
Insect infestation
Mechanical damage
Symptoms
Reduced germination
Loss of vigour
Discoloration
Increased susceptibility to diseases
Measures to Maintain Seed Quality During Storage
Store only well-dried seeds.
Use clean and insect-free storage structures.
Treat seeds before storage.
Monitor moisture and temperature regularly.
Use moisture-proof containers for long-term storage.
Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) principle.
Conduct periodic germination testing.
Key Examination Questions
Short Notes
1. Principles of seed storage.
2. Harrington's thumb rules.
3. Factors affecting seed longevity.
4. Seed drying methods.
5. Controlled seed storage.
Long Questions
1. Explain the post-harvest handling of seeds from harvesting to packaging.
2. Discuss factors affecting seed storage and methods to maintain seed quality.
3. Describe different seed storage facilities and their importance.
4. Explain seed deterioration and measures to prevent it.
One-Mark Questions
1. What is seed storage?
2. Define seed viability.
3. What is safe moisture content for oilseeds?
4. State one Harrington's thumb rule.
5. What is the ideal temperature for gene bank storage?
Remember: The success of seed storage depends primarily on maintaining low seed
moisture and low temperature. This is often summarized as: "Dry seeds + Cool storage =
Long seed life."