Long-term storage of aubergine seed following production under high ambient temperatures

Seeds of aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) cv. Emi and Long Negro were produ ced over three seasons between 1988 and 1990 and stored at ambient (25+/-5 degrees C) and low (5+/-2 degrees C) temperature. In the absence of humidit y control, seeds stored satisfactorily for 4 years at 25 degrees C, whereas at 5 degrees C a reduction in germination was observed after 1-2 years of storage. When storage time was extended to 7 years, there was a significant drop in germination capacity, although in some seed lots the percentage ge rmination was still over 70%. It is concluded that under Mediterranean cond itions and in the absence of humidity control, long term (>1-2 years) stora ge of aubergine seed should be carried out at ambient (25+/-5 degrees C) ra ther than at low (5+/-2 degrees C) temperature.