Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Which harvest condition is most likely to reduce seed quality?

1. Dry conditions

2. Rain-dry cycles

3. Low temperatures

4. High humidity

The correct answer is: Rain-dry cycles

Harvesting seeds in rain-dry cycles can lead to fluctuations in moisture content, which can adversely affect seed quality. The inconsistency in moisture can encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria, leading to increased risks of seed diseases. Additionally, seeds may undergo mechanical damage during harvesting due to sticky or overly moist conditions, further compromising their viability and vigor. Consequently, maintaining stable and appropriate moisture levels is critical to ensuring high seed quality, making this option significantly impactful compared to the other conditions listed. While dry conditions can actually be beneficial for harvest, as they allow for easy collection and drying of seeds, high humidity is associated with similar risks to that of rain-dry cycles, such as seed rot or poor storage conditions. Low temperatures are typically not a significant factor in reducing seed quality during harvest; instead, they may help preserve seed integrity post-harvest. Thus, the impact of rain-dry cycles on moisture fluctuation makes it the most likely condition to reduce seed quality.