Safe storage guidelines for canola as the seeds slowly dry

Sathya, G., D.S. Jayas and N.D.G. 2009. Safe storage guidelines for canola as the seeds slowly dry. Canadian Biosystems Engineering/Le genie des biosystemes au Canada 51: 3.29 3.38. Safe storage guidelines based on canola seed moisture content and storage temperature are needed to know how long seed can be held in storage without deterioration. Canola samples with 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 15.0% initial moisture content (m.c.) (wet basis) were stored at 10, 20, 30 and 40C for 16 wk. The seeds retained initial moisture levels at 10C, while, at 20, 30, and 40C, the seeds dried during the several weeks of this study. Seed germination, moisture content, appearance of visible mould, free fatty acid value (FAV) and invisible microflora were monitored at regular intervals. Germination of the 7.5 and 10.0% moisture content samples stored at 10 and 20C remained above 80% throughout the study, whereas that of the other samples dropped over time with higher initial moisture contents and with higher storage temperature. The samples stored at 30 and 40C lost moisture more rapidly than at 20C. Visible mould appeared in all the 15.0% moisture content samples and in all the samples stored at 40C in the early stages of storage. The FAV increased with increasing moisture content, temperature and storage time. Safe storage guidelines were developed for canola with respect to initial moisture content and storage temperature using the measured quality parameters. Canola with B10.0% moisture content stored at B20C will not deteriorate for at least 15 wk, whereas the 12.5 and 15.0% moisture content seeds stored at 25C need to be dried within a week to avoid spoilage.