Erica Jean Q.

De Jesus Agri 31 U-1L

Processing of Mature Crops and Seed Storage

On November 4, the students of section U-1L visited the Institute of Plant Breeding
where they discovered the process behind the processing of some matured crops after
harvest. Seeds or crops are prepared and processed to be sent to farmers or for
storage. Some processes involved are drying, threshing, shelling, and cleaning. The
staffs also observe quality control of crops. Physiological and commercial maturities are
significant in crop production. That is why, it is necessary to know when to harvest to
use its characteristics to the fullest. The person assigned presented how kernels of
corn are removed using a farm machine called corn sheller. It works by removing the
kernels from the ears. Afterwards, a blower is used to remove the cobs using the
sheller. The use of airscreen spinner is done after that uses a screen and a spinner to
separate the bigger and heavier chips of the cob from the kernels. It will then be
processed to a kernel separator where those with high qualities are picked while low
quality kernels and those that show signs of deterioration are eliminated. Since there is
no color separator, manual sorting is done.

The person in-charge also showed us how cowpea seeds are manually sorted and
moisture content is tested using a moisture content meter. The standard moisture
content is 7% and below. If the meter shows one dot it means it is below the standard
moisture content while two dots show above average. If the acquired values are higher
than desired it will be further dried. Plastic with a thin film of aluminum is used to pack
the seeds of various kinds. Aluminum is used so that air and moisture will not enter
inside. Basic information is also included in the seed package that contains the common
name, manufacturer, date tested, treatment, batch number, quantity, germination
percent, etc.

Storing of the seeds is said to be 18 °C and the ideal relative humidity is 30%. Cereals
are separated from legumes.
We also went to the place where ornamentals are planted. They were being multiplied
and produced asexually. For the planting of tomato seed, they used vermicast, the
product of organic waste through earthworms which have less level of contaminants
and higher saturation of nutrients. On the other hand, rice hull are used so that the roots
won’t be affected when transferring it from other container.

The guide presented a plant whose a combination of various plants namely langka,
guyabano, and kasuy. In addition, the horticultural technique, grafting, is practiced for
some of the plants where a portion of the plant (bud or scion) is placed on another
plants’ stem, root, and branch so that their tissues are joined and be allowed to grow
together.

The students visited the National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory (NPGRL) where
seeds are stored. Ms. Chavez, discussed the different storage methods as well as their
storage containers. NPGRL PGR activities include acquisition/ collecting of crops,
regeneration, characterization, nutraceutical evaluation, field evaluation and lastly
conservation. Seed storage is done to prolong the viability of seeds that is achieved
through controlled environmental conditions. Ms. Chavez also stated the types of seeds
based on storage behaviors namely orthodox, intermediate, and recalcitrant. Orthodox
seeds longevity increases with drying with 3-7% moisture content. For intermediate, the
tolerant drying is around 8% while recalcitrant seeds lose viability with moisture content
less than 12-13%. There also 2 major factors influencing seed longevity: Seed moisture
content and storage temperature. Harrington’s rule of thumb on moisture content
applicable to orthodox seeds is that for every one percent decrease in moisture content
it will double the life of the seed. On the other hand, Harrington’s rule of thumb on
temperature states that for every five degrees decrease in temperature, the life of the
seed doubles. It is done because insects and molds increase as temperature increase.
the seeds are adversely affected by temperature with higher moisture content. Seeds
are also packaged by placing the weighed and counted sample of seed into a container,
which are sealed hermetically for storage. Seeds are packed to prevent water
absorption from the atmosphere after drying, keeping accession/varieties separate and
avoid mixing the seeds, and most importantly to prevent contamination from insects and
disease.

Places to store or conserve seeds (gene bank or storage bank) are also mentioned in
the tour. Storage containers include glass jars, plastic jars, tin/ aluminum can, aluminum
foil, refrigerator and some storage warehouses. Lastly, tissue culture stored in
controlled environmental conditions forms an integral part biotechnological activity and
an alternative to conventional plant propagation.
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