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Abstract
The importance of seed moisture in maintaining high seed viability is well known. The seed storage chapters in the Tropical Tree Seed Manual (Hong and Ellis 2003) and the Woody Plant Seed Manual (Bonner 2008a) give a detailed discussion and many references on this point. Working with seeds in an operational setting requires a test of seed moisture status. It is necessary to know if the seeds are high in moisture or if they are dry enough to store without losing germination. Seed moisture testing was originally done by drying seeds for about 16 hours in a hot oven to drive off the water in the seeds. The moisture content was then determined indirectly by weight loss. For example, if there is a 1 g weight decrease after drying 10 g of seeds, the moisture content is assumed to be 10%. The test is destructive because the high temperature required to drive off the moisture will kill seeds.
Parent Publication
Citation
Karrfalt, Robert P. 2010. Equilibrium relative humidity as a tool to monitor seed moisture. In: Riley, L. E.; Pinto, J. R.; Dumroese, R. K., tech. cords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2009. Proc. RMRS-P-62. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 45-47.
