Safe Storage Periods for Farm-Stored Rapeseed Based on Mycological and Biochemical Assessment

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Abstract
Deterioration of initially sound rapeseed (B. napus ''Tower'') during storage for 147 days was studied at temperature-moisture levels typical of farm bins in Manitoba. Fat acidity value (FAV) and germination of seed samples, time required for development of odor and visible mold, occurrence of particular fungi and their association with FAV were assessed. In rapeseed stored at 25.degree. C and 12.4% moisture content (MC), Penicillium spp. were most frequent after 30 days and Aspergillus versicolor after 147 days; while at 25.degree. C and 9.7% MC species of the A. glaucus group were most frequent after 50 days. A guideline for maximum safe storage periods for farm-stored rapeseeds at different temperature and moisture levels was derived from the laboratory data and validated with rapeseed data collected from farm bins in Manitoba. Predictions of poor storability of seeds in 6 of 15 bins based on a laboratory-tested guideline were validated when the same bins were reinvestigated in the spring of 1979, 85-129 days after binning. The guideline is intended for estimating rapeseed storability, particularly during the first 5 mo. after binning, by farmers in northern continental climatic zones typical of western Canada and the northern USA.

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