The winter storage of seeds is crucial. If the seeds themselves have a high moisture content, they can easily suffer from freezing damage at lower temperatures in winter, losing their germination ability and affecting the emergence of seedlings the following year. It is currently the cold winter, and seeds need to go through a long storage period from harvest to sowing. Even if the seeds are in a dormant state during the storage period, their life activities will not stop. Therefore, don't forget these "nine taboos" when storing seeds in winter.
Do not use plastic bags
Due to the lack of air permeability in plastic bags, seeds undergo anaerobic respiration under anaerobic conditions, producing a large amount of toxic substances that can kill the embryo. Alternatively, the water and heat generated by seed respiration cannot be dissipated, which can easily cause the seeds to heat up, mold, and fail to germinate.
Avoid contact with the ground
Due to high ground humidity, in order to prevent seeds from being affected by moisture and reduce germination rate, it is not advisable to directly touch and stack them on the ground in burlap bags, cloth bags, and other containers. Bricks or wooden boards should be used to elevate them by about 50 centimeters.
Avoid high temperatures
As the temperature of the seeds increases, their respiration rate also increases. When the temperature inside the seeds exceeds 40 ℃, they are easily damaged.
Avoid smoking
Smoke contains a large amount of carbon dioxide and other toxic substances. After being smoked, the vitality of seeds will be reduced, and even after emergence, their growth will be weak and prone to disease.
Avoid insect infestation
During the storage period, seeds are susceptible to various pests. To avoid this, try to dry the seeds as much as possible to create unfavorable living conditions for pests. You can use sunny days at noon to expose them to sunlight and eliminate pests.
Avoid mixing
After the seeds are harvested, they should be labeled in a timely manner, indicating the variety, harvest date, and avoiding mixing.
Avoid mixing with pesticides and fertilizers
Most pesticides and fertilizers are volatile and corrosive. If stored in the same room as seeds, the gases emitted by pesticides, fertilizers, etc. can cause seed poisoning and reduce the germination rate of seeds.
Avoid high moisture content
The higher the moisture content of the seeds, the greater the respiration intensity and the corresponding consumption of nutrients, which leads to weaker seedling emergence after sowing.
Avoid sudden cold and heat
Sudden cold and heat can easily cause seed disorder, therefore, seeds stored outdoors should not be transferred to a warm house after being greatly frozen; Do not take the seeds that exist inside the warm room and expose them to the cold outside.