原版拟南芥规范种植手册

container immediately after filling, and visually check. During storage, check the containers at regular intervals to assure that they remain in good condition.

The major factors influencing seed longevity are storage temperature and seed moisture content. The higher the value of either, the shorter the lifespan of the seeds. Seeds left at ambient temperature and relative humidity lose viability relatively quickly, although they may be viable for about two years if stored in a dry atmosphere at room temperature.

For sealed cryovials or any moisture proof container, where seeds already have 5-6% moisture content, there are two storage options.

1. For active collections which are stored for short to medium terms and are accessed often, a convenient temperature is approx 4°C (regular refrigerator temperature).

2. For base collections where seeds are placed in long-term storage without disturbance, a temperature of -20°C is appropriate.

The arrangements of vials in storage can vary, but it is important to record the exact location of each line. Codes can be used to indicate boxes, racks, trays, and

refrigerators/freezers.

For open containers such as envelopes, the seeds can be stored at 15-16°C, with a relative humidity of 15%. Under this controlled environment, the seeds will maintain suitable low moisture content.

Removal of vials from storage to access seeds represents a potentially very dangerous step. Vials must be warmed to room temperature before opening. Rapid re-warming (placing vial in a 37°C water bath for approx 10 min) serves to minimize freeze/frost damage that can occur during this process. Working in a low relative humidity (20-30%) environment, if possible, also aids in prevention of hydration. If it is suspected that

condensation has occurred in a vial during storage or opening, the vial should be left open in a dry location until seeds have desiccated before returning them to cold storage.

Seed viability is the condition in which seeds are alive, have the potential to germinate and develop into normal reproductively mature plants, given the appropriate conditions. Factors that affect viability include the initial viability of the seeds at the start of the

storage, seed moisture content and storage environment. Viability should be monitored at regular intervals. It is anticipated that viability of Arabidopsis seeds should remain high for long storage periods, assuming proper conditions.

A viability test for Arabidopsis seeds can be conducted in 3 to 6 days. Tests should be carried out before seeds are packaged and stored, so that poor quality seeds can be