Question

The required moisture content for the storage of seed of oil seeds is

• A. 10-12%
• B. 13%
• C. 8%
• D. 14%

Hint:

Remember: High oil content = Hydrophobic lipids = Lower safe storage moisture threshold (typically \(\le 8\%\)) to prevent microbial growth and rancidity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Safe storage of agricultural seeds depends heavily on maintaining an optimum seed moisture content.
This moisture level must prevent seed respiration, insect infestation, and fungal growth (molds) while preserving seed viability.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The safe moisture limit for seed storage differs drastically between cereal grains and oilseeds due to their biochemical composition:
1. Cereals (Starch-rich seeds): Can be stored safely at 10--12% moisture content. Starch is hydrophilic and can bind water molecules tightly, reducing free water availability for microbial growth.
2. Oilseeds (Lipid-rich seeds): Contain high oil levels (typically \(30\text{--}50\%\)). Since lipids are hydrophobic, they do not bind water. As a result, all the absorbed moisture remains concentrated in the non-fat portion of the seed.
This means that at a given total moisture percentage, the local water activity (free water) is much higher in oilseeds than in cereals.
To prevent rapid lipid hydrolysis, rancidity, and mold growth (such as Aspergillus spp.), oilseeds must be dried to a lower safe limit, typically 6--8% (with 8% being the standard accepted baseline).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the required moisture content for the safe storage of oilseeds is 8%.