Cooling and quality of corn seeds stored in piles in different packages

Abstract

The work was carried out in order to verify the effects of the cold storage on the physiological quality of corn (Zea mays L.) seeds piled with two different packages. Seeds of AG-303 cultivar were classified by size, treated, packed in kraft paper bags and gunny sacks and kept in conventional and cold warehouse for 6 months. Healthy testing and physiological quality evaluation and temperature records may conclude that: 1) the cold storage provides better preservation of the physiological quality of corn seeds; 2) the intensity of that effect may be dependent on the package used; 3) the seeds situated in the central parts of the piles are more likely to deteriorate than the others; 4) the calory equilibrium between the seeds and the environment is more slowly attained at the base and central parts of piles than in other parts.