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Discontinuities at low moisture contents in the otherwise logarithmic relations between seed longevity and seed moisture content (%, f. wt basis) in hermetic storage at 65 °C were detected at 2–0% in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), 3·5% in onion (Allium cepa L.), 4·5% in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), 4·6% in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), 5·3% in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestinum L.), and 5·6% in cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.. In contrast, the equilibrium relative humidity of seeds at these values was similar, varying between 9·9% (onion and sugar beet) and 11·5% (wheat). The mean value was 10·5% r.h. (s.e. 0.2). There was no significant (P > 0·05) effect of further reduction in seed moisture content below these critical values on longevity, except in wheat (P 0·10) and was equivalent to a doubling of longevity for each 8·7% reduction in equilibrium relative humidity. Accordingly it is concluded that the relative effect of water potential on seed longevity can be considered to be the same for these and probably also for many other orthodox species.
Ellis et al. (Tue,) studied this question.