Derivation of seed viability constants ( K E and C W ) and prediction of seed longevity for spider plant ( Cleome gynandra )

Amid environmental challenges and the need for global food security, preserving and using plant genetic resources is vital. The expanded seed viability equation predicts longevity under varying storage conditions using species specific constants. While temperature-related constants ( C H and C Q ) are universally applicable across species, those related to seed moisture ( C W ) and inherent longevity ( K E ) vary by species and must be determined individually for accurate predictions. This study used spider plant ( Cleome gynandra ) to determine viability constants and establish seed longevity under genebank dry storage conditions. The seeds were subjected to experimental storage at 45°C and varied seed moisture contents (7.3, 11.7, 12.8, 14.2 and 15.3%) for 125 days to generate survival curves and hence, K E and C W : 7.656 and 3.55, respectively. The validation of these constants demonstrates their effectiveness in predicting seed longevity for other lots within the same species, showing no significant intraspecific variation. This study provides seed custodians and technologists with a reliable framework to accurately estimate the longevity of spider plant seeds under cold dry storage conditions using the viability equation and the constants derived herein.