Storage environment effects on red fescue seed longevity: implications for pasture establishment and seed industry practices

Context Reliable seed storage is fundamental to successful pasture establishment and sustainable forage production systems, yet seed deterioration during storage represents a major challenge for both commercial suppliers and farmers. Aims This study investigated storage environment effects on seed longevity in red fescue (Festuca rubra L.), a key cool-season perennial grass used extensively in pasture mixtures and turf systems. Methods Seeds of two commercial varieties (‘Maxima’ and ‘Sergei’) were equilibrated at relative humidity levels of 30–70% and stored at 45°C under three storage systems, namely, hermetic packaging, vacuum storage, and open warehouse-style storage. Seed viability data were analyzed using generalized linear models with probit link functions to derive viability equation parameters. Key results Under hermetic storage conditions, viability constants were estimated as KE = 5.28 and CW = 1.91, with no significant varietal differences. Parameters for vacuum storage were similar, but open storage systems showed reduced longevity performance (CW = 1.63). Practical storage predictions indicated that seed lots with 95% initial viability stored in typical warehouse conditions (15°C, 60% RH) would decline to 89.6% viability after 243 days. Conclusions Red fescue seeds showed measurable viability decline under typical storage conditions, with hermetic storage providing significantly better longevity parameters compared to open storage systems. Implications These findings provide essential parameters for optimizing red fescue seed storage in commercial and on-farm situations, supporting reliable pasture establishment and reducing economic losses from seed deterioration.