Use of Galvanised Tin Cans and Bees Wax for Long-Term Storage of Rice Seed.

Abstract

Using seed of two popular rice varieties, the storage efficiency of galvanised tin cans sealed with been wax was investigated over 65 months for seed with initial moisture content of 6, 8, 10 amd 12%. The tins were kept at room temperature and the moisture content and viability monitored. A control treatment of seed stored in cloth bags was maintained at the same temperature.
During the period of storage, there was little vriability in the seed moisture content relative to that at the commencement of storage, indicating effective sealign of the storage tine with the us eof bees wax. The initial seed moisture content did affect the period which the seed could be stored in the sealed cans begore its viability declined below the acceptability standard of 80%. With an initial moisture content of 6% and 8%viability remained above 80% after 65 months; at 10% moisture content the seed maintained at least an 80% viability for 20 months, while at 12% moisture content viability dropped to less than 80% after 12 months. For seed stored in a cloth bag at room tepmerature viability ahd dropped to below 80% after seven months storage.
The study demonstrated that readily available galvanised tin cans sealed with bees wax can provide an effective and practical way of maintaining the viability of rice seed initially sun-dried, under on-farm conditions.