Green Global
Foundation   Journal
...an emerging window for scientific research and publication across the globe

ASSESSMENT OF SEED QUALITY OF MAIZE (Zea mays) INFLUENCED BY DIFFERENT STORAGE CONTAINERS AT DIFFERENT STORAGE PERIODS (Pages : 20 - 28)

An experiment was conducted in IRT Building of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during 20 March to 20 June, 2016 to evaluate the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on seed quality of maize seed. Three types of containers namely plastic container, polythene bag and gunny bag were used as experimental treatment. The containers were stored at room temperature and ambient relative humidity around three months. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Seed quality factors viz., moisture content, germination percentage, vigor index, percentage of abnormal seedling, fresh seed and dead seed were recorded every 15 days interval. The initial moisture content of seed in plastic container, poly bag, and gunny bag were 9.46%, 10.22% and 11.87%, respectively, but it was increased with increasing storage time after 60 days (10.82%, 11.13% and 13.00%). The germination percentage was higher at 15 days after storage (DAS) for different containers like plastic containers (85%), poly bag (81%) and gunny bag (75%) than after 60 DAS (75%, 71% and 63%), respectively, on sand substrate. The percentage of abnormal seedling was increased from 11 to l7%, 13 to 19%, and 15 to 20% in plastic container, poly bag, and gunny bag, respectively, from 15 DAS to 60 DAS. The percentage of dead seed was increased from 2 to 3% and 4 to 5% in plastic container and gunny bag, respectively. The vigor indexes of seedling were 14.58, 12.85 and 10.92 in plastic container, poly bag and gunny bag, respectively at 15 DAS and it was decreased (10.39, 10.26 and 10.08) at 60 DAS, respectively. The result revealed that the germination percentage decreased with the increase in storage period. The study also indicated that initial moisture and storage container has significant role on the quality of maize seeds and plastic container is the best one for storing the seeds with better benefits.Download