Question:

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): As per "Harrington thumb rules" (ISTA rules), Viability of seeds depends on storage conditions where a) For each 1% decrease in seed moisture content, the storage life of the seeds is doubled; b) For each $10^{\circ}\text{F}$ ($5.6^{\circ}\text{C}$) decrease in seed storage temperature, the storage life of seed is doubled.
Statement (II): The arithmetic sum of storage temperature in $^{\circ}\text{F}$ and the % relative humidity should not exceed 100, with no more than half the sum contributed by the temperature.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

Show Hint

Remember the Harrington Rules:
1. $1\%$ Moisture Decrease $\to$ Life $\times 2$.
2. $10^{\circ}\text{F}$ Temp Decrease $\to$ Life $\times 2$.
3. Temp ($^{\circ}\text{F}$) + RH ($\%$) $< 100$.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Harrington's Rules of Thumb are empirical guidelines used in seed technology to estimate the shelf life of orthodox seeds based on storage temperature and relative humidity.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Statement (I) outlines the first two rules formulated by J.F. Harrington:
Rule 1: Each $1\%$ reduction in seed moisture content doubles the storage life of the seed (applicable within a range of $5\%$ to $14\%$).
Rule 2: Each $10^{\circ}\text{F}$ ($5.6^{\circ}\text{C}$) decrease in storage temperature doubles the life of the seed (applicable within a range of $32^{\circ}\text{F}$ to $122^{\circ}\text{F}$).
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) represents the third rule:
Rule 3: For safe storage, the numerical sum of the storage temperature (in $^{\circ}\text{F}$) and the relative humidity (in $\%$) should not exceed 100.
Additionally, the temperature contribution should ideally not exceed half of this sum to prevent freezing or physiological stress.
Therefore, Statement (II) is also correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
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