Kinetic approach to assess germination and growth parameters in 'Azkan' chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds during postharvest storage

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the impact of varying storage temperature (5-, 10-, 15- and 20 °C) and storage duration (0-, 60-, 120-, 180-, 240-, 300-, 360-, 420-, 480- and 540-days) on moisture contents, germination parameters (germination rate, mean germination time, germination speed, seed vigor index, germination energy and electrical conductivity) and growth parameters (shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight and root dry weight) of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds. In addition, it is aimed to determine the optimum storage temperature by applying kinetic model and multivariate analysis to these parameters. During germination, the tested parameters presented differential sensitivity to both storage temperature and duration. Seeds at a temperature of 20 °C were more affected than at 5, 10 and 15 °C. The storage at 20 °C reduced germination and growth parameters. It also caused an increase in electrical conductivity values, which decreased the viability of the seed and in the germination rate. The zero-order kinetic model was determined as the most suitable model for germination and growth parameters, and half-life and activation energy were determined accordingly. Based on the results obtained from the zero-order kinetic model, it can be suggested that the optimal storage temperature for maintaining seed quality is 5 and 10 °C.