Seed Storage Information

Seed is a valuable commodity. Like most biological materials, seed is also vulnerable to many factors that can cause deterioration during storage. Temperature and relative humidity of the storage environment, damage from insects or rodents can all contribute to loss of seed quality. There are however, some basic principles which can help maintain sowing seed in good condition whilst in the seed store or warehouse. 

  1. Keep it dryseed_storage
    Seeds are hygroscopic. They absorb moisture from a wet atmosphere and conversely lose moisture into a dry atmosphere. All Pacific Seeds’ product is tested and meets strict specification for maximum moisture content prior to packing and dispatch from our processing facilities. Provided it is stored where there is little risk of exposure to rain , especially near open doorways where driving rain or mist is possible , the seed should remain at a suitable storage moisture content.

     
  2. Keep it cool
    Storage of the seed in the coolest part of the facility, separate from feed grain and chemicals will all help to minimize seed deterioration during storage. Storing out of direct sunlight, preferably not on the western side of the shed will minimise heating . Although it is usually only feasible to store pallets of bagged seed 2-3 pallets high, having significant ‘head-space’ above the seed to the roof can also significantly reduce temperatures.

     
  3. Keep it clean
    The interior of a seed storage facility should be as free as possible of sharp angles, ledges and corners where spilt seed, insects, rodents, other vermin and rubbish can accumulate. Housekeeping must be thorough and done regularly with any seed spills cleaned up immediately and waste / rubbish disposed of by destructive means regularly. Adequate lighting (skylights are ideal) is also a good deterrent to rodents and stored product insects. Regular weekly inspection of seed for evidence of insect or rodent activity is essential. Eradication of these pests before they have become established or caused significant damage to the product or packaging is preferable to writing off stock.