The speed of the deterioration process in seeds stored under proper conditions can be reduced, and seed viability can be maintained for longer than under natural conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate Crambe abyssinica fruit quality for storage under different environmental conditions. The initial moisture content of crambe seeds was 6% w.b. The electrical conductivity, water absorption, germination and germination speed index (GSI) were determined at the beginning (0 months) and every two months for one year. Seeds were stored under three different conditions: normal environment (26 ± 3 ºC, 55 ± 12% Relative Humidity - RH), refrigerated type B.O.D. (5 ± 1 º C, 79 ± 5% RH) and in a climate chamber with air conditioning (18 ± 1 ºC, 53 ± 7% RH). The climate chamber (18 ± 1 ºC, 53 ± 7% RH) maintains the best crambe fruit quality compared to the normal environment (26 ± 3 ºC, 55 ± 12% RH) and the refrigerated type B.O.D. (5 ± 1 ºC, 79 ± 5% RH). Fruits stored for twelve months in the three environments caused the seed dormancy to breakdown.
postharvest quality; Crambe abyssinica; storage conditions
