Enhancing the storability of bitter gourd cv. CO 1 by pelleting treatments

Abstract

A storage study was carried out in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, TNAU, Coimbatore during 2001-03 to assess the storage potential of pelleted seeds with different botanicals viz., arappu (Albizia amara), pungam (Pongamia pinnata), neem (Azadirachta indica), notchi (Vitex negundo) and vasambu (Achorus calamus). The treated seeds were kept in moisture vapour pervious (cloth bag) and moisture vapour proof (700 gauge polythene bag) containers under ambient conditions for six months. With regard to seed quality attributes, significant differences were observed among seed treatments, storage containers and periods of storage. The seed quality evaluations at monthly intervals revealed that increasing trend in germination per cent, speed of germination, drymatter production, vigour index, electrical conductivity, moisture content and free fatty acid content were observed with the increase in storage period. Among the seed pelleting treatments, seeds pelleted with arappu leaf powder showed superiority over other treatments and control. Arappu pelleting treatment proved to be the best in maintaining vigour and viability of seed throughout the storage period of six months. Reduction of oil content in arappu treatment was less compared to other treatments and control. Pelleting with neem leaf powder showed poor performance. With regard to containers, 700 gauge polyethylene bag proved to be superior to cloth bag in maintaining germination, vigour and drymatter production. With the advance in the storage period, an increase in electrical conductivity, moisture and free fatty acid content of seed were observed.