EFFECT OF STORAGE PERIOD AND PACKAGING MATERIAL ON WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) SEED VIABILITY AND QUALITY

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the effect of packaging materials and storage periods on viability and vigor of seed and changes of some chemical components during storage. Seed samples of five wheat varieties (Sids 12, Sakha 93, Gemmeiza 7, Gemmeiza 10 and Giza 168) have been processed and dried to 12% moisture. The samples were stored in different packages (clothes, plastic, aluminum and polyethylene) for 18 months at room temperature. Changes in seed viability, seedling vigor and some chemical composition (crude protein and total carbohydrate) were determined every six months. Quality parameters such as seed viability (germination %, seed vigor index, accelerated aging germination %, electrical conductivity, seed index, seedling characters and chemical components as affected by storage period and package materials revealed that highly significant differences in seed quality between tested varieties. Gemmeiza 7, Gemmeiza 10 and Giza 168 had more favorable abilities for better storability and had the highest germination percentage and the lowest electrical conductivity than other varieties. Also Gemmeiza 7 and Gemmeiza 10 had the highest significant crude protein and 1000- seed weight and the lowest carbohydrate content compared with other varieties. There was a high reduction in seed germination and seedling vigor as the storage period increased, however, the poor vital seeds were recorded after 18 months from storage. The seed germination percentage for tested varieties after 12 and 18 months of storage was less than the recommended level of standard germination of wheat seed (85%). Wheat seed stored in aluminum and polyester bags showed high seed germination, seedling vigor and kept nutrient contents, and therefore they could delay seed quality deterioration compared with plastic and clothes bags.