Recent Developments in handling Broadleaved Species Seeds on an Industial Scale

1991

7 Abb., 4 Tab., 4 Lit Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

8340

200079022

Advances in research have allowed to transfer knowledge in technology of beech nut and acorn handling to an industrial scale. After grading of beech nuts by size and density, they are dried to 8% moisture content, and can then be stored in cold room at - 5 C for up to 5-7 years. Acorns of Sessile and English Oak are treated by heat (soaking in water at 41 C for 2 1/2 hours) against Ciboria batschiana, which causes black rot. After anti-fungus treatment using a cement mixer, acorns are stored in a moist cold room at - 1 C. Fungicide treatment should be repeated during storage. Storage period is currently up to two winters, and may be increased through development of anti-fungus treatment by thermonebulizing. Beech nuts, which are dormants seeds, can be submitted to various treatments to break dormancy. The most promising way is pretreatment by simple before storage. While substantial advances have been achieved in industrial handling of seeds, some improvements are still required in order to better control breaking of beech nut dormancy and extend storage period ofacorns.