Evaluation of camelina (Camelina sativa) seed quality during storage in relation to seed moisture and temperature

This study examined the impact of various storage temperatures (5, 12 and 22°C, and ambient conditions of around 19°C), seed moisture content (8, 12 and 16%, and an initial content of 5.1%) and storage duration (1, 3 and 5 months) on the quality of camelina (Camelina sativa) seeds. Germination percentages, normal seedling percentage, mean germination time (MGT) and electrical conductivity (EC) were recorded both before and after storage. Camelina seeds had the highest germination percentage and quality before storage. As storage progressed, germination and vigour of the seeds declined, influenced by seed moisture and storage temperature. The seeds stored with moisture of 5.1% at 5°C for one month showed the highest germination percentage (100%), normal seedling percentage (99%), shortest MGT (2.25 days) and lowest EC (65.65 µS cm^-1 g^-1). Seeds stored with 16% moisture at 22°C for five months had the lowest germination (73%), normal seedling percentage (60%), longest MGT (3.98 days) and highest EC (194.83 µS cm^-1 g^-1). Additionally, a negative correlation (r = -0.61**) was found between EC and early counts of radicle emergence (RE) after 48 hours of imbibition, suggesting potential methods to assess seed vigour. Overall, camelina seeds harvested in June can be stored effectively at 5°C with 5.1% moisture for five months prior to sowing.