SEED STORAGE STUDIES IN <em>SYZIGIUM</em> <em>CUMINII</em>

Abstract

Storage studies to prolong the viability of Syzigium cuminii seeds were conducted.
The initial moisture content of seeds was 44.2% on fresh weight basis with 89% initial germination. We aimed to determine the best storage moisture content, temperature and type of containers for the seeds. The seeds were desiccated to 35, 30, 25, 20 and 10% moisture contents and stored at ambient (28–30 °C), 20, 15 and 10 °C in plastic containers. The germination capacities of the seeds were tested after 30, 75, 120, 165, 180 and 270 days of storage. The seeds were found to be tolerant to desiccation up to 10% moisture content. The favourable storage temperature range was from 15 to 20 °C. Storing seeds with 10% moisture content at 20 °C could prolong viability up to 180 days with 92.5% germination. Non-desiccated seeds were stored in various containers, namely, polybag (150, 200 and 250 gauge), polybag with two pores (200 gauge), cloth bag, paper bag and plastic container, and stored at 20 °C. After five months, we observed that irrespective of thickness and presence of pores, storage of seeds in polybags was able to prolong seed viability.