The Longevity of Seeds

Abstract

A review of available data on the longevity of seeds and on the moisture and temperature conditions most conducive to long life. Seeds vary greatly in the length of time during which they retain viability and in the degree of desiccation they can endure without injury. In general, low, constant moisture and low oxygen pressure are the essentials of good storage conditions. These conditions are more easily obtained in the case of hard-coated seeds, many of which show great longevity. Among the trees mentioned in the article are Maple, Chestnut, Hickory, Walnut, Poplar, Willow, Hevea and Elm, all of which have seeds of relatively short life duration. Seeds of Cassia bicapsularis, C. multijuga, and Albizzia julibrissin, on the other hand, have germinated after being stored for well over a century