AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Milomirka Madić 
, Nenad Pavlović , Miloš Marjanović , Jelena Stojiljković , Vladimir Perišić , Dejan Cvikić , Ivana Živković
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/SBT26.149M
ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:
The effect of long-term storage and packaging on the quality of beetroot seeds was evaluated after nine years. Seeds stored in small retail packages (S1) showed a marked decrease in total germination (83% in 2015 to 47% in 2024) and germination energy (56% to 10%), while seeds stored in bulk (S2) retained higher viability (total germination 92% to 84%; germination energy 75% to 63%). Moisture content increased in both sample types, more significantly in S1 (9.0% to 14.0%) than in S2 (10.2% to 12.7%), contributing to an accelerated decline in seed quality in retail packages. Seed weight remained relatively stable in all samples. These results indicate that long-term bulk storage under controlled conditions is more effective in maintaining the vitality and quality of beetroot seeds.
KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:
long storage, beetroot seed, germination, moisture
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / ПРОЈЕКАТ:
This research was funded by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, grant number 451-03-33/2026-03/200088, 451-03-33/2026-03/ 200216, 451-03-136/2025-03/200026.
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