Prediction of Canola Seed Longevity in the Drying Process

The probit analysis has been an important tool to predict seed longevity during storage and has been applied for seed drying simulation. Sealed aluminum pouches containing approximately 50 g of canola seed at moisture range of 7% to 21% of water content web basis (%) were conditioned in water-bath at 50, 60 and 70 °C to obtain the model to evaluate the reduction of canola seed germination. This model was included in the drying simulation program and the estimated germination was compared to the experimental values of germination during drying to validate the model. Canola seeds at 21% of moisture content and germination of 93% were dried at 51 °C and 61 °C, and the model represented significantly the drying experiments. The aim of this study was to propose a germination model to evaluate the quality of canola seeds during the drying process and to offer the seed producers an important tool to control the drying process. The experimental data validated the objectives of the proposed drying model, optimizing the process at given conditions, managing the energy consumption, according to the minimum germination or maximum moisture content limitation for seed storage. For 51 °C, the drying time for canola seed would be about 6 h to maintain germination above 90% and for 61 °C, 4 h of drying time maintained germination up to 89%.