Effect of Heat Carrier Particles on Drying Characteristics and Germination Traits of Canola Seeds

Abstract Purpose Research into hybrid drying methods is generally aimed at increasing drying speed while maintaining seed quality. Heat Carrier Particles (HCPs) can be used in fluidized bed drying to accelerate the seed drying process. However, this requires qualitative analysis of seed characteristics. Methods In this study, canola seed was mixed with HCPs to accelerate the drying process while maintaining seed quality. The HCPs were steel or glass beads (2.7 mm diameter) mixed with canola seed in proportions of 0%, 25%, 50%, and 100% at different drying temperatures (40, 50, and 60 °C). A fluidized bed dryer was used to monitor the drying process and then the germination ability of the dried seeds was evaluated in the experimental conditions. Results The drying time was reduced when the HCP content was 50% of the sample weight. However, drying time increased when 100% HCP was added. Also, the germination ability of the seeds decreased as the drying temperature increased. A higher proportion of steel beads caused a decrease in germination, while the glass heat carrier (50% at 40 °C) was best for maintaining germination in canola seeds. Conclusions The germination rate, shoot length vigor index, root length vigor index, and germination energy were significantly affected by the amount of HCP and the drying temperature. The germination parameters were highest when glass HCP was used, and the drying time was also reduced to an acceptable level in this treatment. The most suitable temperature and percentage of HCP were 40 °C and 25% of glass HCP in sample weight, respectively.