STORABILITY OF FROST-DAMAGED CANOLA

Changes in the quality of frost-damaged canola seeds (Brassica napus L. and B. campestris L.) from 21 bins in Manitoba were studied on four occasions (Rounds 1 to 4) during October 1982 to April 1983. Twenty-two quality parameters were assessed on seed samples obtained at two bin depths on each sampling occasion. Generally, quality of seeds in official grades 2CR, 3CR and Sample Canada Account Damaged because of frost, did not decline during storage. Laboratory studies with jars of frost-damaged seeds stored at 6–12% MC and 5–25 °C for 49 days indicated that smell was a more rapid indicator of incipient deterioration than visible mold. Results from bin and laboratory studies showed that storage of frost-affected seeds, which had been binned dry, was influenced primarily by factors associated with seed immaturity rather than by development of spoilage molds. Heating was detected during Round 1 in six nonaerated bins. Spoilage and heating problems in frost-damaged canola are most likely to occur during the first weeks of storage but can be prevented and controlled by aeration and careful bin management.Key words: Brassica napus L., B. campestris L., seed quality, frost damage, storability