Optimizing seed harvest and processing of wild lentil genetic resources entering active and base genebank collections

Seed quality is influenced by numerous factors in the field before and during harvest, and by subsequent processing and storage. The best time to harvest seeds, and the duration of any subsequent period before drying begins, need to be determined. This research is intended to identify current routine post-harvest practices that might compromise seed longevity and, if necessary, develop alternative practices. Pods of wild lentil were harvested sequentially at maturity, which varied in time amongst pods and plants, in a plastic house and divided into three treatments: (a) transferred immediately to the drying room (15°C; 15% RH); (b) delayed processing, maintained separately in the plastic house in a single cloth bag until the final harvest; (c) current ICARDA practice, maintained in a common cloth bag (all harvests combined) until the final harvest. Subsequent seed longevity in hermetic storage (45°C, 60% moisture content) was often improved, and never damaged, by delaying seed drying compared to immediate processing. Hence the current ICARDA practice of sequential seed harvests with all seeds kept in bags in the plastic house field until the final harvest does not damage subsequent seed longevity and is often beneficial.