Derivation of seed viability constants (KE and CW) and prediction of seed longevity for spider plant (Cleome gynandra)
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Date
2026
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Seed Science and Technology
Abstract
Amid environmental challenges and the need for global food security, preserving and using plant genetic
resources is vital. The expanded seed viability equation predicts longevity under varying storage conditions
using species specific constants. While temperature-related constants (CH and CQ) are universally applicable
across species, those related to seed moisture (CW) and inherent longevity (KE) vary by species and must be
determined individually for accurate predictions. This study used spider plant (Cleome gynandra) to determine
viability constants and establish seed longevity under genebank dry storage conditions. The seeds were subjected
to experimental storage at 45°C and varied seed moisture contents (7.3, 11.7, 12.8, 14.2 and 15.3%) for 125
days to generate survival curves and hence, KE and CW: 7.656 and 3.55, respectively. The validation of these
constants demonstrates their effectiveness in predicting seed longevity for other lots within the same species,
showing no significant intraspecific variation. This study provides seed custodians and technologists with a
reliable framework to accurately estimate the longevity of spider plant seeds under cold dry storage conditions
using the viability equation and the constants derived herein.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Biodiversity preservation, Genebank management, Moisture content, Opportunity crops, Seed survival curve, Seed viability, Traditional vegetables, Underutilised crops