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Results and discussion

Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, periods and bags. This corroborates the earlier observations of Odiemah (1986) and Madan et al (1989). Based on average germination (%) it appears that S 308, in general, could be stored safely for relatively longer period without much loss of seed germinability. Considerable reduction in germination figured after 12 months storage among varieties, C 306, WH 283, WH 416 and WH 147 particularly in G and F conditions. The loss in germination continued in subsequent observations too (for brevity data is presented upto 21 months storage;
Table 2). Loss in germination was highest in C 306 followed by WH 147 and WH 283 after 21 months. Similarly, such a loss was shown by HD 2009 after 15 months of storage and S 308 maintained above 80% germination even after 21 months except in gunny bags. On overall basis loss in germination was significantly lower in polyethylene bags than gunny and fertilizer bags. Loss of seed germinability was maximum and quick in all the varieties having high germ oil percent, eg, C 306, WH 147 and WH 283 (Mayer and Poljakoff-Mayber 1982). Degree of unsaturation of fatty acids might also be implicative in loss of germinability in such cases (Mayer and Poljokoff-Mayber 1982). The rapid deterioration in gunny bags could be due to cumulative effects of high humidity and high temperature which increases fungal attack, membrane damage and respiration as compared to other options (Mayeux et al 1970, Roos and Manalo 1971).

Reduction in germination in accelerated ageing test also varied from variety to variety. Similar observations were recorded by Madan et al 1989. Following the accelerated ageing treatment, the pattern of reduction in germination in all the six varieties was similar to that of ambient storage conditions in polyethylene bags for 21 months.

Thus three important conclusions emanate from this study. Variation for storability exist among wheat genotypes. AA test can be used for the prognosis of variety specific storability. Polyethylene bag is more suitable in each case and cost effective method of storing seeds in ambient conditions as it minimizes reduction in germination effectively against the syndrome of abiotic factors causing ageing stress.


References

Anonymous (1985) International rules for seed testing. Seed Sci & Technol 13: 299-513

Madan S, Talwar G, Behl RK and Verma U (1989) Effect of accelerated ageing on germination, seedling vigour and beta-amylase activity in wheat. Res & Dev Reporter 6: 48-54

Mayer AM and Poljakoff-Mayber A (1982) The germination of seed. 3rd Ed. Pergamon Press Ltd. Headington Hill Hall. Oxford OX3 OBW. England. 10-37

Mayeux MM, Esphani T, loewer O and Johnson DB (1970) Preserving germination quality in stored soybean. Fld Crop Abst 1971, 24: 481 No.3566

Odiemah M (1986) Germinability and vigour of wheat seed comportment at different periods of storage. 21st ISTA Congress, Brisbane. July 10-19, 1986. Preprint No. 6.

Purkar X, Mehra RB and Banerjee SK (1980) Seed ageing induced variability in quantitative characters of Pea and Wheat. 19th ISTA Congress, Preprint No. 60.

Roos EE and Manalo JR, (1971) Testing vigour of beans following unfavorable storage conditions. Hort Sci 6: 347-348.

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