Chia Seeds Storage in Different Environmental Conditions and Packages

Abstract

In general, seeds are not used immediately after harvesting. For this reason, they have to be stored for future use, which requires the maintenance of their viability during the storage time by applying the appropriate conservation technology for each species. This study aimed to evaluate whether package and environmental conditions interfere with the physiological quality of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) stored for 12 months. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design in a 3 × 3 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replications, using three packages, three storage environments, and four storage times. After each storage time, seeds were subject to germination and vigor tests (emergence and electrical conductivity). Chia seeds can be stored in a cold or dry chamber, in plastic, glass, or paper containers, for 12 months, without hindering seeds physiological quality.