1994 Volume 59 Issue 1 Pages 125-133
Seeds of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) cv. Vona were stored at various temperatures (-196°C, -18°C, 5°C, 21°C, and 32°C), moisture contents (6%, 8%, and 15% m.c.) and storage periods (0, 1, 7, 30, 90, 180, 360, 540, and 720 days). Mitosis in root tip cells were examined for chromosome aberrations. Aberrations increased with increased storage time at high temperatures (21°C and 32°C) and high moisture contents (8% and 15% m.c.). Most of the aberrations were chromatid fragment(s) and bridge(s). Lagging chromosomes or combinations of bridge(s) and fragment(s) were also observed. Seeds stored in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) or at low temperatures (-18°C and 5°C), even at high moisture contents (8% or 15% m.c.), for up to two years showed no difference in chromosome aberrations from the control.