U.S. Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, Nebraska
Date of this Version
3-2017
Citation
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BEAN IMPROVEMENT COOPERATIVE, No. 60, March 2017. Published by USDA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bean seed storage requires specific control of temperature and humidity. Different research institutions have expensive equipment and controls to maintain and preserve germplasm viability. However, not all laboratory facilities have the recommended equipment to guarantee long term storage with no adverse effects on seed germination and vigor.
During my research dealing with bacterial pathogens on the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), tepary bean (P.acutiflius A.Gray), the scarlet runner bean (P.coccineus L.) and other grain legume species, it has been necessary to maintain small quantities of seeds originating from experiments conducted at the greenhouse located in the Mayagüez campus of the University of Puerto Rico.
Over these years, seeds harvested in the greenhouse have been stored in a laboratory refrigerator. Some bean seeds have been stored directly in paper bags or envelopes enclosed in a plastic bag and some others were stored in the same way but using silica gel packages. This paper describes an easy and low cost method of storing bean seed for at least 12 years while maintaining a high germination percentage.
Comments
U.S. government work.