Effect of moisture levels and storage periods on the seed quality of lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of moisture levels (ML) and storage periods (SP) on the seed quality of lentil was investigated in the laboratory of Agronomy Department, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur, Bangladesh during March-April 2016. Three moisture levels i.e. ML 1 (8.88%), ML 2 (12.23%) and ML 3 (14.10%), and three storage periods viz, i) 15 DAS, ii) 30 DAS and iii) 45 DAS were included in the study. Lentil seeds of ML 1 were found in good condition in respect of germination percentage (GP), better shoot and root length, vigor index and poor fungal incidence. The highest GP (84.69%) was found at ML 1 (the initial moisture level), with shortened SP (15 DAS) while the lowest GP (52.84%) was found at ML 3 of 14.10% moisture level with the longest SP of 45 DAS. The maximum shoot length (17.40cm) was recorded at ML 1 seed with 15 DAS while the minimum (12.72cm) was found at ML 3 with 45 DAS. The seeds in less moisture content with 15 DAS SP produced the highest root length (9.24 cm) and vigor index (2284) and the lowest root length (3.74 cm) and vigor index (813) was obtained in seeds with ML3 at the SP of 45 DAS, respectively. Fungal incidence was found less (14.0%) in lentil seeds with the initial ML (ML 1 ) and it increased 18.33% at ML 3 with 15 DAS. It also increased with the increasing ML from 8.88 to 14.10% and storage periods from 15 to 45 DAS. The least ML with shortened SP was the best and the highest ML with the longest SP was the worst in respect of all the parameters. Therefore, optimum moisture level and ideal storage condition have the greatest benefit on the quality of lentil seeds.