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Seed vigour, keep it high!
Problem
Seeds are living organisms and sensitive to stress during storage or treatments, which can result in reduced seed vigour. Vigour can be seen as the tolerance of seeds to emerge under non-optimal conditions. In the field, seeds with low vigour produce no or weak seedlings.
Solution
Harvest seeds with maximum stress tolerance, dry them well, keep them stored under optimal conditions and be cautious with physical seed sanitation treatments.
Description
Harvest the seeds, if possible, at full maturity, since less mature seeds are more sensitive to induction of damage. Dry the seeds soon after harvest, preferably to an equilibrium with 30 -40% relative humidity and keep them dry. Store the seeds under optimal conditions: 30-40% RH, cool and preferably without oxygen. Do this also with left-over seeds. Be careful with sanitation treatments. Perform test treatments with a small sample. Speed of germination is a good indicator of seed vigour. More damage needs more time for repair.