• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.30-36
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• 2009

This study was performed to determine the effect of drying conditions on the germination properties of rapeseed after seeds were dried under different drying conditions: $40^{\circ}C$, $50^{\circ}C$, or $60^{\circ}C$ in combination with 30%, 45%, or 60% relative humidity. As analytic results, drying conditions had significant effects (P-value < 0.001) and drying temperature was considered as the main factor on the germination properties of rapeseed. When drying temperature increased or relative humidity decreased, the vigor rate and germination rate decreased, the median germination time increased. The maximum values of vigor rate and germination rate were 90% and 95.44%, and their minimum values were 60.17 and 75%, respectively. To ensure the standard germination rate of 85%. The appropriate drying zone was determined and the drying temperature should be less than $51.0^{\circ}C$, $54.5^{\circ}C$ and $58.7^{\circ}C$ at 30%, 45% and 60% RH, respectively. The values for median germination time varied from 2 to 4 days. The predicted models of germination rate, vigor rate, and median germination time were determined.