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

Abstract

Effects of storage moisture content and temperature on the germination and viability maintenance of seeds jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) was investigated at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Seed moisture content was adjusted to 5.2, 8.3 and 10.3%. The packaged seeds were in rubber-stoppered glass bottles and stored at 10 and 30℃ for 24 weeks. Germination was tested at two 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. Unsteeped seeds served as control. Germination of unsteeped seeds was low all through the storage period irrespective of storage moisture content and temperature. Steeping of seeds in boiling water for five 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 Corchorus olitorius seeds in moisture-proof containers at moisture below 10%, stored at about 10℃ is recommended. Prior to sowing, hot-water steeping seeds from such lots may be necessary for rapid and uniform germination irrespective of storage duration