PREDICTION OF SEED STORABILITY IN NEEM (AZADIRACHTA INDICA) AND JAMUN (SYZYGIUM CUMINII) THROUGH ACCELERATED AGEING TEST

Abstract

Seeds of neem (Azadirachta indica) and jamun (Syzygium cuminii) were subjected to accelerated ageing conditions of high temperature (41 ± 0.5 °C) and relative humidity (100%) to assess their storability. Seed samples drawn at 24-h intervals were tested for germination and seedling vigour in terms of root and shoot lengths, vigour index and dry weight. The reduction in germination below 50% occurred earlier in jamun (4th day of ageing) than in neem (6th day). However, seedling vigour deteriorated much quicker in neem than in jamun. Therefore, it is concluded that seeds of both these species should be sown in the nursery immediately after collection.