QUALITY OF PEPPER SEEDS (Capsicum annuum L.) OBTAINED FROM SUN AND AIR-DRIED FRUITS OF DIFFERENT CUTTING TREATMENTS

Abstract

The effect of cultivar ('Tatashe and 'Shombo'), fruits cutting techniques (fruits cut at the tip, fruits cut into halves and uncut fruit) and drying methods (air and sun) on seed quality was tested during 60 days of storage period at 37oC and 90% relative humidity in the Laboratory of Crop Production Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. Data were collected on moisture content, gemination percentage, germination rate, gemination rate index and germination index. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Minitab 17.0 version and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). High significant (P<0.05) performances in respect of all the parameters were recorded in ‘Shombo’ cultivar than in ‘Tatashe'. Seed quality level declined as from 40/60 days after storage. The quality of seeds were also enhanced with air drying method in intact fruits compared to those that were sun dried and other cutting treatments particularly aged seeds