Storage, Imbibition, and Germination

Abstract

Considerable controversy has surrounded the claims that seeds remain viable for many hundreds or even thousands of years. A list of some of the more spectacular claims is presented in Table 3.1, along with reasons for accepting or rejecting them. Perhaps the most persistent myth concerning seed longevity is that viable grains of wheat and barley were uncovered during archaeological excavations of ancient Egyptian buildings. Reports that “mummy” grains could germinate and produce seedlings were given considerable publicity and credence during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. But recent, scientifically rigorous studies show unequivocally that most ancient grains (particularly the embryos) have undergone severe morphological and physiological degradation (including carbonization) with accompanying total loss of viability. Some stored grains retain their original shape and even much of their cell fine structure, although upon hydration considerable disintegration occurs. It is worth reemphasizing, then, that there is no scientific proof for the retention of viability by ancient cereal grains.