Abstract: In order to extend the storage period of Camellia oleifera seeds, we observed the quality as well as physiological and biochemical changes of Camellia oleifera seeds with moisture content of 6% and 13% during storage at three temperatures, 25 ℃, room temperature and 4 ℃, respectively and a relative humidity kept between 50% and 65%. The result shows that quality deterioration was observed for Camellia oleifera seeds as the storage period was prolonged up to 90 days. A comprehensive assessment of the effects of different storage conditions indicated that the best storage condition was 4 ℃ and 6% moisture content, significantly inhibiting the respiration intensity and lipase activity, maintaining a high content of protein, fat and sugar and preventing Camellia oleifera seeds from deteriorating. The next best was 4 ℃ and 13% moisture content. The worst results were observed for Camellia oleifera seeds with a moisture content of 13% stored at 25 ℃. Base on these results, we conclude that low temperature storage and low moisture content can effectively improve the quality of Camellia oleifera seeds.

Key words: Camellia oleifera seed, storage conditions, quality, physiological activity