EFFECTS OF STORAGE ON THE VIABILITY OF TURNIP AND BROCCOLI RABS SEED

Work was carried out on turnip seed (Brassica rapa, var. rapa) and Broccoli rabs (Italian turnip) seed (B. campestris L., gruppo ruvo = Brassica ruvo Bailey). Samples of both species were stored in each of the following treatments: 30°C, room temperature and 40°C; R.H. 35–55–75%.

After equilibrium between the seed moisture and the relative humidity of the atmosphere was reached, tests of germination were carried out; they shown progressive deterioration of the seed which becomes evident in the increase of average germination time, the appearance of abnormal seedlings and the reduction (ending in total annulment) of the percentage of seeds germinated. A 35% R.H. of the environment has been found to be the most suitable for long time seed storage, even where temperature is relatively high.