Stored seed security is a global issue and seed storage is
a key link in the food production chain. Under normal
storage conditions for rice grain, loss of seed viability
often occurs in the second year. Deterioration is aggravated
by increased temperature and moisture. According to
statistics from knock-down lines the Chinese Ministry of
Agriculture annual losses during storage of rice for food
and seed accounts for about 3% of total production. Long
term maintenance of seed viability is a universal problem.