| 摘要 |
<p>Seed such as grass seed is pre-germinated in a cylindrical container (12) by soaking in a soak solution under the thermostatic control of an extractor fan (26) mounted in the lid (24) of the container. After draining off the soak solution, the seed is aerated or oxygenated by making air passages through the seed with the aid of spears (54), and then supplying compressed air or oxygen to the drain outlet (18). The pre-germinated seed is passed to a drying installation (100) and tumbles down in a zig-zag path through four drying drums (106, 108, 110, 112). The unit (100) is air-tight and contains an oxygen-free atmosphere of 80 % nitrogen with 20 % argon. Far-red light at 720 nm is shone into the drums, and the combined effect of the simultaneous dehumidification, light, and oxygen-free atmosphere induces secondary dormancy in the seed so that it can be stored. Storage is in opaque bags (132), also filled with an oxygen-free atmosphere.</p> |
