The impact of chemical desiccation on yield showed contrasting results depending on seedmoisture content at the time of application. Its effects on seed deterioration are still unknownand could be modified by seed composition. Objectives were to evaluate the impact of chemicaldesiccation on: i) hybrid sunflower seed yield and composition at harvest time, ii) seeddeterioration during long-term s...

Interest in seed propagation of drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera) has created a need for information about the water relationships of its seeds. Thus, we studied the imbibition and desiccation kinetics and adsorption/ desorption isotherms of drumstick tree seeds. Seeds absorbed water readily when imbibed at 23oC. After 17 h of exposure to an atmosphere of 100% relative humidity (RH), seed moist...

to design the equipment and facilities for preservation, storage and processing of pomegranate, it is necessary to know the specific heat and thermal conductivity of the fruit components. the specific heat of exocarp, mesocarp and of seeds of pomegranate were assessed at three moisture content levels (30, 50 and 76% for seed and mesocarp; 15, 35 and 52% for exocarp) and at four temperature leve...

Some physical properties and chemical compositions of two cultivars (Semsouri and Shahabadi) of cantaloupe studied during four different stages of maturity from fruit set to completely ripe. The physical properties investigated were the geometric mean diameter (GMD), specific gravity (SG), mean firmness (MF), rind, seed (%) and flesh (%). The chemical compositions were Brix, Titrable Acidity (T...

In an effort to determine which biological reactions can occur in relation to the water content of seeds, the regulation of lettuce seed dormancy by red and far red light was determined at various hydration levels. Far red light had an inhibiting effect on germination for seeds at all moisture contents from 4 to 32% water. Germination was progressively stimulated by red light as seed hydratio...

The water relations play a fundamental role in seed comprehension of biology. In order to describe the process of drying and the effect on water activity, which controls biological change in storage, a sound knowledge of the relationship between equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and water activity/equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) is essential. The relationship between the total moisture con...