Effects of storage temperature and container type on the vigour of Welsh onion seeds with low moisture content

The vigour of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) seeds with low moisture co ntent was determined after exposure to different storage temperatures and c ontainer types. As the storage period was prolonged, the effects of storage temperature and container type on seed vigour became more pronounced. Stor age temperature had a greater effect on seed vigour than container types, a nd the effect of the latter was subject to the storage temperature. When th e seeds were stored in the same type of container, several indices of the s eed vigour declined as the storage temperature increased. A highly signific ant positive correlation was evident between dehydrogenase activity and the percentage germination of the seed. Improving storage conditions could pro long seed longevity. If the seeds, in which the moisture content has been r educed to less than 6%, are stored airtight the percentage germination will be about 85% after storage for 2 years at room temperature or after 3-year storage at 6 degrees C. If the seeds are stored at -6 degrees C, the perce ntage germination will range from 86 to 91% after 3-year storage, regardles s of the storage container types in this study. These data are very importa nt for the seed storage and germplasm conservation of Welsh onion.