Storage from Harvest until Processing
The period of harvesting and cleaning is frequently one of high temperatures. During this time seeds still have high moisture content. Seed deterioration can be rather rapid during this period. Transport from field to threshing floors, threshing floors to processing plants and at the processing plants, involves periods of storage during which deterioration can be rapid and serious, if the moisture content is above thirteen percent. At moisture contents above this range, molds may grow on in the seed end heating may occur.
It is therefore, necessary to take the utmost care in handling of material after harvest. If harvesting has been done above 13 percent moisture content, necessary arrangements for drying / aeration, etc, of seeds are necessary to preserve seed quality. In addition, adequate care is necessary in handling the seed materials at this stage so as to prevent mechanical mixtures and maintain lot identity.