Effect of storage moisture content and temperature on germination behaviour of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) seeds.

Abstract

Effect of storage moisture content and temperature on the germination and viability maintenance of seeds of jute mallow (Chorchorus olitorius) was investigated at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Seed moisture content was adjusted to 52.83 and 10.3%. The packaged seeds were in rubber-stoppered glass bottles and stored at 10 and 30C for 24 weeks. Germination was tested at 2 weeks interval for 20 weeks and finally at 24 weeks. Seeds were steeped in boiling water for 5 seconds on each testing day to break dormancy before germination was tested. Un steeped seeds served as the control. Germination of un steeped seeds was low all through the storage period irrespective of storage moisture content and temperature. Steeping of seeds in boiling water for 5 seconds significantly increased seed germination at all storage duration an indication that seed dormancy was not lost with age and irrespective of storage environment. Seeds stored better at low moisture content and temperature than at higher ones. Packaging of Chorcorus olitorius seed in moisture proof containers at moisture below 10% stored at about 10C is recommended prior to sowing. Hot water steeping of seeds from such lots may be necessary for rapid and uniform germination irrespective of storage duration.