Abstract

Crambe abyssinica seeds are spherical and surrounded by a structure called the pericarp. The basic function of the pericarp is to protect the grains against abrasion and shocks, to function as a barrier against microorganisms and to allow the seeds to be stored for long periods of time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the C. abyssinica seed quality stored under different environmental conditions without the pericarp. Crambe seed with 6.5% w.b. moisture content were used. Measurements for the electrical conductivity, water uptake, germination percentage and index of germination velocity (IGV) were performed at the beginning of the experiment (zero months) and every two months for a period of a year. The seed were stored under three environmental conditions: Room temperature (26±3°C, 55±12% relative humidity [RH]), a cold room (5±1°C, 79±5% RH) or a climate-controlled chamber (18±1°C, 53±7% RH). The climate-controlled chamber maintained the best quality in the crambe seed, with better germination percentage and IGV than the other conditions. The storage conditions promoted decrease in the crambe seed quality. It was possibly visualize that there was a loss of dry matter during storage, especially lipids adhered in Kraft paper bags.

Key words: Crambe abyssinica, seeds quality, storage environment.