Effect of storage time and type of packaging on seed quality of tall fescue

After harvesting, the seed dormancy of grasses occurs. During the maturing period, seed dormancy is slowly reduced, and seed germination reaches the maximum values of use. Germination decreases during longer storage. The levels of seed dormancy and germination prevention determine the complex of physiological and biochemical processes in the seeds, which vary depending on genetic background, environment during maturation, and even the position of seeds on the plant. The goal is to maintain, as long as possible, the maximum germination after seed ripening. However, aging and germination reduction are processes which largely depend of storage conditions and seed packaging. The three tested seed lots of tall fescue were kept in paper, textile and polyethylene (PVC) containers during 10, 16, 24, 28, 34 and 40 months. The dormancy, germination energy, and total germination were examined. The seeds stored in PVC containers required a shorter period of time in order to release from dormancy and achieve maximum germination (16 months, 43% germination). After 40 months, there was a significant decrease in germination (80%). In some seed lots, the germination dropped to 77%, which is the required minimum for marketing authorization (The Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, No. 47/48). In the case of the seeds kept in paper containers, the maximum germination (89% and 90%) was obtained after 22 months. The same seed germination was obtained after 40 months of storage.