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Effect of storage temperature and moisture on the germination of papaya seeds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2008

R. H. Ellis*
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Reading, Earley Gate, PO Box 236, Reading RG6 2AT, UK
T. D. Hong
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Reading, Earley Gate, PO Box 236, Reading RG6 2AT, UK
E. H. Roberts
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Reading, Earley Gate, PO Box 236, Reading RG6 2AT, UK
*
* Correspondence

Abstract

Seeds of papaya (Carica papaya L.) stored for 12 months at 15°C with 7.9–9.4% moisture content maintained their original germination. In contrast, many seeds stored cooler or drier lost viability, the losses occurring more rapidly at −20°C than at either 0°C or 15°C. The results are not compatible with the definitions of either orthodox or recalcitrant seed storage behaviour.

Type
Short Communication
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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