Research: Seeds last much longer without oxygen

If plant seeds were stored under oxygen-poor conditions, it would be possible to store them for much longer while still maintaining their germination capacity. This is indicated by research carried out by researchers at Wageningen UR. The researchers propose gene banks to package seeds under oxygen-poor conditions immediately after harvest and drying, because this will slow the loss of antioxidants.
Oxygen-poor seed storage can also benefit plant breeding companies, particularly in the case of seeds with a short shelf life, such as lettuce, onion and leek. An article about the research is published in Plant Genetic Resources (Press Release Wageningen UR, 28 July 2014).
Click here for the press release.
Click here for an abstract of the published article.

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