Concept:Drying grains before storage reduces moisture, which helps preserve the life and germination ability of the seeds.
Explanation:Newly harvested grains usually have a high moisture content.
If they are stored without drying, the excess moisture creates a favourable environment for fungi, bacteria, and storage pests.
These organisms can damage the embryo of the grain and reduce its ability to germinate.
Drying removes the excess moisture from the grains before storage.
This lowers the chances of microbial growth and pest infestation.
It also reduces the rate of respiration inside the stored grains.
As a result, the embryos remain healthy and alive for a longer period.
Thus, drying increases seed viability, which is the percentage of seeds that remain alive and can germinate after storage.
Drying does not increase moisture content, pest incidence, or nutrient content.
In fact, it reduces moisture content and pest incidence, while nutrient content is not increased by the drying process.
Answer:D. seed viability