Quality changes in high and low oil content canola during storage: Part I - Safe storage time under constant temperatures

•Safe storage times of high and low oil content canola were different.•Visible mold was not a reliable factor to predict safe storage time.•Fatty acid value could not be used to predict germination of canola.

Temperature and moisture content of stored crops affect safe storage time. Three high oil content canola varieties (45H29, Invigor 5440 and Nex4 105) and one low oil content canola variety (5525 Clearfield) with 8, 10, 12 and 14% initial moisture contents (wet basis) were stored at 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C for 20 wk. Moisture content, germination, fatty acid value (FAV) and visible and invisible mold of the canola seeds were determined every 2 or 4 wk. Increase of moisture content and temperature increased germination loss and mold infection. Fatty acid values of canola seeds at 10, 20 and 30 °C increased with increase of storage time; but at 40 °C, it increased at the beginning of storage, and then dramatically decreased. Storage fungi (Penicillium spp., Aspergillus glaucus group and Aspergillus candidus Link) were predominant throughout the study. The first appearance of visible mold and invisible fungi infection and FAV were not suitable for predicting safe storage time of canola. Based on the 20% initial germination loss, safe storage guidelines of high oil content canola were developed. To safely store high oil content canola, its moisture content should be lower than that of low oil content canola.