Seed Treatment Effects on Emergence of Luffa aegyptiaca
Luffa aegyptiaca (Luffa sponge gourd) is increasingly seen as both a source of vegetative nutrition and as a source of the “luffa” used as to exfoliate during bathing. As such, the commercial growing of Luffa aegyptiaca is increasingly being investigated using more intensive farming methods. Two factors traditionally used to promote / speed germination and emergence of vegetable seeds is investigated. It is concluded that temperature pre-treatment of the seeds (-12°C,24 hours) yields a p=0.004 significance in promoting emergence, whilst pre soaking (water, 18°C, 24hrs) yields p=0.821
Stimulation of Pepper Seed Germination by Sodium Hypochlorite Treatment1

Seed of pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Early Calwonder) receiving a sodium hypochlorite treatment germinated faster and showed more rapid early growth than seed treated with water alone or with sodium hypochlorite followed by an acid rinse.
Effects of Storage Temperature and Duration on Bioactive Concentrations in the Seed and Oil of Brassica napus (Canola)
The effects of storage temperature and duration on phytosterol, tocopherol and carotenoid concentrations are assessed in canola seed, and oil extracted using two different techniques, over a 10 month period. Increases to oxidation indices (K232, K270 and ΔK) are observed in the solvent extracted oils, and in the seed stored at 40 °C, indicating the formation of primary and secondary oxidation products. Only small decreases in the concentrations of γ-tocopherol and β-carotene are observed across the 10 month period. Phytosterol concentration decreases over time, with similar degradation rates observed in both seed and oils. α-tocopherol and lutein are well preserved up to 7 months in all samples, despite oil oxidation, and further research will be needed to identify the cause for retention of bioactives. The results indicate that in order to preserve phytosterols, tocopherols and carotenoids in seed stored in bulk for extended periods, storage temperatures should remain at or below 21 °C. Moreover, oil stored at 4 °C or −18 °C, results in high bioactive concentrations and slows the onset of oil oxidation, compared to oil stored at room temperature. 
 
Practical Applications: Industrial storage conditions have been shown to greatly influence the chemical processes that occur with canola seed and oil. However, the effects of typical storage conditions on phytosterols, tocopherols and carotenoids in canola seed and extracted oil, are not yet known. This study presents the effects of typical seed and oil storage conditions on phytosterol, tocopherol and carotenoid concentrations, whilst monitoring oxidation indices and FFA, and thus provides information to seed handlers and oil processors on storage conditions that may preserve these bioactives. Moreover, the different behaviours of bioactives are examined relative to the oil extraction technique used, and present opportunities to optimise oil extraction techniques. 
 
 
 
Time series plots for α-tocopherol concentrations in canola oil stored at different temperatures over 280 days, illustrating a difference in behaviour between the solvent extracted oil and the hand-press extracted oil.