The seed information database

In previous modules, you used the Seed Information Database to search for information about a seed, and to predict its viability. Now you are going to explore another useful tool that allows you to convert from RH to eRH.

Follow the link to the ‘equilibrium moisture content calculator’ of the Seed Information Database. Use the drop-down list to look up the oil content of almond (Prunus amygdalus), then enter the drying temperature and relative humidity usually used in your genebank. This should show you almond’s equilibrium moisture content under those conditions. Then look up the oil content for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and find out what the moisture content would be if sorghum was dried in the same way. Can you see a pattern emerging? Try out a few other seeds you are interested in, to see whether this pattern holds.

For many crops, you can combine this tool for calculating equilibrium moisture content with the tool for predicting viability. Go back to the ‘viability calculator’ of the Seed Information Database and look up Sorghum bicolor. The field for equilibrium moisture content is empty, but above it, there’s a button inviting you to perform a calculation. This takes you to the ‘equilibrium moisture content calculator’ tool that you have just explored. Select Sorghum bicolor from the long menu, and enter your genebank’s drying temperature and the relative humidity of the air in the drying room. When you go back to the viability calculator, there should now be a value in the ‘equilibrium moisture content’ field, enabling you to continue your prediction. What can you predict about sorghum’s viability after 1, 10 and 100 years?