STUDIES ON THE PRINCIPAL STORAGE CONDITIONS FOR SEEDS OF VATICA ASTROTRICHA HANCE Ⅰ. SEED MOISTURE CONTENT AND METHODS FOR MEASUREMENT OR CONTROL

This paper deals with the moisture content of seeds of Vatica astrotricha and the methods for measuring or controlling it in order to keep their high vigour. According to the results obtained from a series of measurements, it was suggested that the moisture content of seed, especially that of embryo is the crucial factor to affect its vigour. Using the coconut dust with 27-29% moisture content, the embryo moisture content may be controlled within 50-52%, i.e the seed moisture content within 30-36%,and let the seeds keep some respiration rate (50-60 O2μl/g·h as measured at 32℃), the seed vigour will be kept at a high level, therefore, the seed longevity will be maintained. It was found that in storage there is a best-point in safe moisture content range of seed, which is near by the low-limit and may be measured by the interrelation between moisture contents of the seeds and their wings, or of the bigger seeds and smaller ones. The methods are accurate and quick, as it is simple to determine the low-limit of safe moisture content, therefore, it may be considered as a new shortcut for all the "recalcitrant" seeds.