Large pieces of head, stalk, and corolla tubes, which frequently adhere to the seed, should be removed because they are higher in moisture than the seed. Oil sunflower should not be stored above 10 percent moisture during the winter and 8 percent during the summer. Nonoilseed sunflower should not be stored above 11 percent moisture during the winter and 10 percent during the summer. Sunflower can be stored for short periods at 12 percent with adequate airflow to keep the seeds cool. Resistance of oilseed sunflower to fungal infection during storage at 10 percent moisture is equal to wheat resistance at 17 percent stored moisture.
Aeration is essential, especially in the larger bins now available.
Sunflower should be rotated between bins when aeration is not available. Seed with moisture as low as 8 percent tends to heat if temperature is not reduced to 40 F or below before or soon after it has been put into the bin. An air space should be left in the top of the bin to facilitate checking the condition of stored seed. Bins should be checked initially every two weeks for moisture condensation on the roof, crusting, and for changes in temperatures within the pile. Any of these conditions could indicate the presence of mold or insects.