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Practical Considerations of Commercial Seed Storage
Tim Loeffler
Monsanto Company
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
June 11, 2018
Practical Considerations for Commercial Seed Storage
Business considerations for commercial seed storage.
Seed storage starts early and is critical for customer satisfaction
Key criteria for seed storage and using vigour data
Seed packaging materials and practical considerations
Goal: Maintain commercial quality from harvest to the customer
Business Considerations
3
“Setting Expectations”
Seed Storage – Business Considerations“Setting the expectations”
Business • Working capital & cost of goods
• Additional investment & maintenance of facilities
• Can impact lab capacities
• Obsolescence impacts profitability
Field seeds• Large volumes
o Soybeans / grains – produce & sell
o Hybrid corn – must manage returns
• Product line refresh is frequent
• Competitive market - New varieties are often introduced at high volumes
Vegetable seeds• Small seeded species, higher value
• Larger seeded species, lower margins
• Product line refresh is less frequent
o Trend is decreasing
The business risk to carry inventory can be high
Intended Storage Periods & Market Quality
Soybean
6 Months 1 year 2 years 3 Years 4 years 5 years 6 years 7 years
Corn - Hybrid
Vegetables - commercial
Vegetables – parent seed
Rice – Varietal
Ambient
Ambient
Controlled storage: 10C / RH control varies
5 to 15C / 30 – 50% RH
~5C / 30% or less RH
Rice – Hybrid / High value Controlled storage: 10C / RH 50%
• Seed storage criteria is connected to:o Seed valueo Intended inventory shelf life o Market quality
• Considerations vary for field and vegetables seeds
Species Germ Vigour Usable Transplant
Corn 95%+ High N/A
Soybean 90%+ High N/A
Melon 90%+ High 90%+
Pea 85%+ High N/A
Pepper, Tomato 92% High 85%+
Market Quality Requirements - Examples
What about cost to carry inventory?
Year 1: Produce 1000 kgCarryover inventory 0 kgTotal Liability 1000 kg
Year 2: Produce 1000 kg Carryover inventory 1000 kg Total Liability: 2000 kg
Year 3: Produce 1000 kgCarryover inventory 1000 kgObsolescence 1000 kgTotal Liability: 3000 kg
Inventory costs continue to accumulate over shelf life the seed
Production, Processing, QA, Costs
Inventory Carrying Cost
COGM
$20 / Kg$20,000 +
$0 / Kg$0
$20 / Kg$20,000
$20 / Kg$20,000 +
$2 / Kg$2,000 + $20,000 (Value of inventory)
$21 / Kg$42,000 100% saleable)
$20 / Kg$20,000 +
$2 / Kg$4,000 + $42,000 (Value of inventory)
$34 / Kg$68,000 (67% saleable)
Some reasons for Obsolescence:
• Drop in Germ, Vigour or UT
• Lack of market acceptance (disease resistance, etc.)
• Over-production
• New variety introductions
Seed Storage Starts Early
7
“Focus on the Customer”
Securing Quality – Harvest to Customer Delivery
• Seed storage begins at or near physiological maturity.
1. Miles, D.F., D.M. TeKrony and Egli, D.B. (1988). Crop Science 28,700-704. 2. D.M. TeKrony and D.B. Egli,. (1997). Accumulation of Seed Vigour During Development and Maturation in Basic and
Applied Aspects of Seed Biology, pp. 369-384.
Late development
Brown layer (PM)(Maximum Quality)
Black layer (HM)(Seed storage)
• Seed vigour accumulates during development and maturation.
Key factors contributing to seed storage potential
Many operational decisions are made based seed moisture content
Genetic background
Harvest timing & handling
Seed drying
Seed conditioning & technology
Seed storage conditions
(Temp & RH)
SpeciesCategory
SpeciesTarget
Moisture
Field Seeds
Rice 11-12.5%
Corn 12%
Soybeans 8.0-14.5%
Vegetables
Cabbage 5.5-6.0%
Carrot 7.0-8.0%
Cucumber 6.0-7.0%
Lettuce 6.0-6.5%
Onion 6.5-7.5%
Peas 10.0-11.0%
Spinach 8.0-9.0%
Tomato 6.0-7.0%
Process for Field Seeds - Corn
Harvest Drying Bulk Storage Seed Processing Treat & DryingPackaged Storage
Customer
Shipment
Returns
Critical Step #1:Harvest moisture ~30-35%
Critical Step # 2: Drying to ~12% Seed moisture
Distribution Center
Wet Seed Transport Precision DryingTarget 6.0-7.0%
Conditioned Storage #1Target Temp: 8-15C
Conditioned Storage #3Target temp: 8-15C
Shipping Container
PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
Conditioned Storage #2
Target temp: 8-15C
Receiving
Sanitation
Seed Processing
Seed Technology
Process for Vegetables
Multiple drying processes may
occurTarget 6.0-7.0%
HarvestDrying &
Bulk StorageSeed Processing
Seed Treatment (On Demand)
Distribution
Harvest moisture: 18-21%
Process for Grains (Rice)
Drying moisture: 11-12.5%
US / Brazil / Europe Production System
• Market: High value / Varietal ratio is 50-50% (US)
• Planting: Direct seeded
• Mechanical harvest / bulk bin drying
• Delivery: Bulk or mini-bulk packaging (US)
Asia Production ProductionSystem
• Market: Hybrid / Varietal ratio is 50-50% China, increasing rapidly in India
• Planting: Transplanted
• Hand harvest or small equipment / Open air drying
• Delivery: Small packaging
Key Criteria for Seed Storage
13
“Using Vigour Data”
Seed Vigour Tests used to predict Seed Storage
SpeciesCategory
Species Vigor Tests
Field SeedsCorn Cold Test
Soybeans Cold Test, AA, EC
Vegetables
Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Spinach, Carrot, Onion, Eggplant, Pepper, Tomato, Cucumber, Melon, Squash, Watermelon
SSAA
Peas EC
Sweet corn Cold Test, SSAA
1. Collect germ and vigor data – by variety2. Rank seed lots from high to low vigor3. Consider inventory usage
Decide risk assessment Hold higher vigor batches
4. Focus on the customer to avoid complaints High vigour seed lots for stressful
planting conditions Work with customers with good
practices on lower vigor batches
Using Vigor Data
Using Seed Vigour to Manage Seed Storage
Batch Rank Germ EC Field Stress Storage Potential
2 1 95 15 Wide range Long
4 2 93 18 Wide range Long
5 3 90 20 Wide range Long
6 4 88 23 Moderate Moderate
7 5 87 25 Moderate Moderate
8 6 85 28 Moderate Moderate
3 7 95 35 Moderate Moderate
1 8 98 47 Low (Ideal) Short
Germ and Vigour (EC) Example - Peas
High Vigour
Low Vigour
Seed Storage Practices
SpeciesCategory
SpeciesRH
30%RH
60%
Field Seeds
Rice 9.0 12.6
Corn 8.4 12.9
Soybeans 6.5 9.3
Vegetables
Cabbage 5.4 7.6
Carrot 6.8 9.2
Cucumber 5.6 8.4
Lettuce 5.1 7.1
Onion 8.0 11.2
Spinach 7.8 11.1
Tomato 6.3 9.2
Peas 8.6 11.9
EMC
1. Harrington, J.F. (1960). Drying storing, and packaging seed to maintain germination and vigor. Seedsmen’s Digest. 11 (1): 16.
Most vegetables
require continuous conditioned
storage
Target Moisture
Storage Practices Temp RH
11-12.5% Ambient Ambient Variable
12% Conditioned 10C 50%
8.0-14.5% Ambient Ambient Variable
5.5-6.0%
Conditioned,Plastic lined
8 – 15C 30%
7.0-8.0%
6.0-7.0%
6.0-6.5%
6.5-7.5%
8.0-9.0%
6.0-7.0%
10.0-11.0% Ambient Ambient Variable
Practical Storage Conditions
Seed Packaging
17
“Considerations are shorter term”
Packaging Strategies and Considerations
Compliance(Non-negotiable)
• Seed lot integrity
• Labeling – meets all Country & Local requirements
• Regulations may drive material usage (i.e. biodegradable)
Business
• Treat / pack for next growing cycle
o Once packaged, seed usage should be within 1 to 2 years
o May require re-packaging
o Seed treatment can impact shelf life
• Materials must be cost effective
• Brand image
Technical
• Low moisture vapor transmission rates
• Volume to head space
• More sustainable materials
• Packaging automation
Best materials maybe comprised by cost & operational efficiencies
Thank You
Contributors
Jim Thompson – Rice Tec
Testo RH Probes
Packaging: Bulk Containers
Card Board Containers
• Packaging Materials:
oTriple wall
oKR = Kraft paper
oMDH = Med High Perf Kraft Paper
• Products
oVegetables
oUsed in storage and shipping between plant sites; Not to customers
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FBIC)
• Packaging Materials:
• Reinforced woven Polypropylene
• Internal baffles to maintain shape when stacking and shipping.
• Products:
oCorn
oSoybeans
oRice
Bulk Boxes/Hard Sided Containers
• Packaging Materials:
• 60# Specialty Kraft (brown)
• 50# or 55# Polar White
• Products:
oCorn
oSoybeans
Packaging: Bags
Multi Wall Bags – with HDPE Liner
• Packaging Materials
o60# Specialty Kraft (brown)
o50# or 55# Polar White
o0.5 mil HDPE liner
• Products:
oCorn
oSorghum
oAlfalfa
oWheat
Multi Wall Bags – Without Liner
• Packaging Materials:
o60# Specialty Kraft (brown)
o50# or 55# Polar White
• Products:
oSoybeans
oCotton
oVegetables
Packaging: Small Packaging
Cans
• Packaging Materials
oRolled steel w/ tin plate
oLid / bottom = steel
• Products:
oVegetables – raw seed, pelleted seed
oBeen in used since 50 – 60’s
Pouches
• Packaging Materials/Film Specifications:
oStructure: 12 microns PET / 9 microns ALU Foil / 12 microns PET / 75 microns PE
PET = Polyethylene Terephthalate
ALU = Aluminum
PE = Polyethylene
• Products:
oVegetables – re-sealable
Foils
• Packaging Materials/Film Specifications:
oFilm Specifications: 12 mic PET / 12 mic Met PET / 90 mic Natural PE
PET = Polyester
Met PET = Metalized Polyester
PE = Polyethylene
• Products:
oVegetables – small volumes
1. Harrington, J.F., (1963). The Value of Moisture-Resistant Containers in Vegetable Seed Packaging. California Agricultural Experiment Station. Bulletin 792.
Seed Storage Practices
SpeciesCategory
SpeciesRH
30%RH
60%Target
MoistureStorage Practices Temp RH
Expected Shelf Life
Field Seeds
Rice 9.0 12.6 11-12.5% Ambient Ambient Variable <1 year
Corn 8.4 12.9 12% Conditioned 10C 50% 2-3 years
Soybeans 6.5 9.3 8.0-14.5% Ambient Ambient Variable <1 year
Vegetables
Cabbage 5.4 7.6 5.5-6.0% Cond, Plastic lined 8 – 15C 30% 3-4 years
Carrot 6.8 9.2 7.0-8.0% Cond, Plastic lined 8 – 15C 30% 2-3 years
Cucumber 4.3 8.4 6.0-7.0% Cond, Plastic lined 8 – 15C 30% 3-4 years
Lettuce 5.1 7.1 6.0-6.5% Cond, Plastic lined 8 – 15C 30% 2-3 years
Onion 8.0 11.2 6.5-7.5% Cond, Plastic lined 8 – 15C 30% 2-3 years
Peas 8.6 11.9 10.0-11.0% Ambient Ambient Variable 1-2 years
Spinach 7.8 11.1 8.0-9.0% Cond, Plastic lined 8 – 15C 30% 2-3 years
Tomato 6.3 9.2 6.0-7.0% Cond, Plastic lined 8 – 15C 30% 3-4 years
EMC Practical Storage Conditions
1. Harrington, J.F. (1960). Drying storing, and packaging seed to maintain germination and vigor. Seedsmen’s Digest. 11 (1): 16.
What measurement systems are used for Seed Moisture Content?
Type MethodTime per
testGrams /
testDestructive
?Usage Decisions
Hot air oven Oven 1-17 hrs 5 gms Yes All crops Calibration
Memmert UFE 500 Oven 60 min 10 gms Yes Small seeds Process, Storage, Treat & Pack
Computrac Max 400
Oven 9 min 5 gms Yes Small seeds Process, Storage, Treat & Pack
LCGC Oven 4-11 min 2.5 gms Yes Small seeds Process, Storage, Treat & Pack
Steinlite SL95 Capacitance 12 sec 500 gms No Beans, peas, corn, soy Harvest, Receive, Drying
GAC 2100 Capacitance 16 sec 300-500 gms No Beans, peas, corn, soy Harvest, Receive, Drying
EE-KU (TH) Capacitance 90 sec 50-100 gms No Small seeds, corn Process, Storage, Bulk ship
Aquamatic 5100 Capacitance 10 sec 200 gms No Small seeds Process, Storage, Bulk ship
Aqualab Water activity 3 min 10 gms No Small seeds Seed priming
Testo RH Probes RH 10 sec Probe No Small seeds Process, Storage
How long can seeds survive?
• Seed can have a longevity of many years
• Key factors contributing to seed longevity
o Seed chemistry – influences Equilibrium Moisture Content
o Seed moisture content
o Storage temperature and Relative Humidity
o Insect management
• Modifying seed moisture, temperature or storage atmosphere can increase seed survival (2,3)
o Ultra-dry seeds
o Hermetic conditions
• Many models have been developed to predict seed survival (4,5)
Species CultivarAge
(years)Germ %
Sweet corn Earligold 46 84%
Eggplant Minnoval 48 80%
Pea Alaska 51 94%
Melon New Ideal 53 76%
Tomato Marmon 60 82%
1. Roos, E.E. and D.A. Davidson, (1992). Record longevities of vegetable seeds in storage. HortScience, 27:,393-396. 2. Hong, T.D, Eillis, R.H., Astley, D., Pinnegar, A.E., Groot, S.P.C. Kraak, H.L., (2005). Survival and vigour of ultra-dry seeds after ten years of hermetic storage. Seed Sci & Technol., 33, 449-460.3. Demir, I. and Ozcoban, M. (2007), Dry and ultra-dry storage of pepper, aubergine, winter squash, summer squash, bean, cowpea, okra, onion, leek, cabbage, radish, lettuce and melon seeds at -
20°C and 20°C over five years. Seed Sci. & Technol., 35, 165-175 4. Eliis, R.H., and E.H. Roberts.(1981). Improved equations for prediction of seed longevity. Ann. Bot. 45, 13-30.5. Shande, T., D.M. TeKrony, D.E. Egli, and P.L. Cornelius. (2000). An alternative model to predict corn seed deterioration during storage. Crop Sci. 40,463-470.
Longevity of select vegetable seeds (1)
Business strategy is to produce, sell to reduce inventory risk