Storage behaviour of Impatiens hainanensis seeds stored under three conditions

Seeds of Impatiens hainanensis were stored in three different environments: ambient (25°C, 70-80% RH), dry (25°C, 2-5% RH) and cold (4°C, 40-50% RH). The seeds maintained their germination for 90 days in the three storage conditions, albeit at relatively low levels, particularly for seeds in cold storage. Seed vigour was maintained for 45 days for seeds in cold storage, 60 days for seeds in ambient storage, and 90 days for seeds in dry storage. A moisture content around 3.8% is suggested as appropriate for the storage of I. hainanensis seeds. During storage (up to 90 days) under ambient and cold storage conditions, soluble sugar content, SOD and CAT activity all decreased, and were lower than seeds in dry storage. Relative conductivity and TBARS content both increased during ambient and cold storage and were higher than seeds in dry storage after the same storage period. Dry storage better maintained the antioxidant enzyme system of I. hainanensis seeds.