Abstract
Onion seeds are poor storers they have one of the loweststorability among cultivated crops. Seed moisture is one ofthe critical factors which determines the seed storability.The effect of ultra-drying of onion seeds on seed storabilityand seed vigour was studied. Seeds of three onion varietiesBhima Dark Red, Bhima Shakti and Bhima Safed were driedin 2:1 beads to seed ratio (w/w) for 96 hours and packed andstored in moisture impervious pack for 12 months underambient conditions. The initial moisture of seeds was 8.46%- 5.25%, which reduced to 3.48 - 2.91% at after 96 hours. Theultra-dried seeds had higher seed viability and vigour incomparison to control (undried seeds). At the end of 12months of storage, the average seed germination in ultradriedseeds was 81% whereas in control it was 52%. Incomparison to control at the end of 12 months, the ultradriedseeds had 23.82%, 33.80%, 83.12% and 98.60% higherseedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index-I andvigour index-II. The ultra-dried seeds also recorded lowerelectrical conductivity indicating lower membranedegradation during storage. Thus, drying of onion seed in2:1 beads to seed ratio for 96 hours is beneficial in enhancingthe storability of onion seeds.
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