Читать книгу Osmosis: The Molecular Theory - Larry Howlett - Страница 10

Haberlandt first discussed hermetic storage in 1873. Since that introduction, it has been well documented as a successful method for seed storage. Hermetic containers change temperature with the atmosphere that they are stored in but, do not allow gas or moisture transfer through the container walls. It is recognized that this method of seed storage is successful “largely because a low level of hydration at the time of sealing can be maintained.” (Priestlley, 1986)

Bass, 1960 presented experimental evidence that seed moisture content remained constant, even as the temperature changed when stored in hermetic containers. His results compared several different container materials including glass, tin, and flexible materials with a layer of foil. All containers provided hermetic storage conditions for the seed as demonstrated by constant seed moisture content.

Currently seeds are stored both in hermetic containers at temperatures ranging from ambient to cryogenic (Walters, et al 1998) and in controlled atmosphere storage facilities. With both methods, seeds are dried to specific moisture content prior to storage. For controlled atmosphere storage, both the temperature and relative humidity must be regulated. Only Temperature control is required for hermetic seed storage. Temperature control systems are much less expensive for both installation and operation than combined temperature and humidity control equipment.