Storage conditions and their effect on ambari hemp seeds

Abstract

Seeds of ambari hemp (= Kenaf) (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) were stored at different levels of relative humidity and temperature to observe the effects of these conditions on the longevity of the seeds. The evolution of the seeds were made through standard germination tests in laboratory and field emergence. The relative humidity was more important than temperature for preservation of seed viability. The lower the relative humidity, the better the performance of the seeds. Seeds stored at low relative humidity produced plants with high fiber production. For the same relative humidity, the lower the temperature the better the seed performance. Therefore low temperature provided some compensation for the detrimental effects of high relative humidities.