Logarithmic Relationship between Moisture Content and Longevity in Sesame Seeds

The relationship between seed moisture content and seed longevityin sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in hermetic storage at 50 °Cis logarithmic. The logarithmic relationship is maintained from15 per cent down to 2 per cent – the lowest moisture contenttested — but above 15 per cent this ‘air-dry’relationship no longer holds since further increase in seedmoisture content does not reduce longevity. Tentative estimatesof constant values for the improved seed viability equationare provided, and implications for long-term storage are discussed. Sesame, Sesamum indicum L., seed storage, improved viability equation, seed moisture content, seed longevity prediction