Quality assessment of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds using the controlled deterioration technique

Abstract

A three-factor experiment was set at the Horticulture Laboratory, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during April-May 2014 to study the effects of the controlled deterioration (CD) on the bush bean seeds at the constant temperature of 35o C. The 3 factors considered were: two bush bean varieties; four ageing periods (0, 4, 8, and 16 days); and three seed moisture contents (12, 16 and 20% moisture content). The twenty four treatment combinations compared in the Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with the three replications for the eight parameters were: % germination, % abnormal seedlings, % dead seeds, % soil emergence and seedling evaluation test for the root and shoot lengths as well as their dry matter contents. Identical prototypes of notable (5-1% level) degradations were recorded everywhere. But the disparities were clear under the extreme stresses. Moreover, highly noteworthy (1% level) relations were traced amid all the traits ranging from -0.466 (seed dry matter x abnormal seedling) to 0.983 (normal seedling x root length). So, the controlled deterioration technique was very effectual in judging the physiological statuses of the varieties studied. Thus, the germination test might be add-on by a vigour test. The latter of which could be assessed by quantifying the seedlings’ root and shoot lengths and/or their dry matter accumulations. Moreover, in the seed quality certification, the suitable limits of vigour for the chosen traits could also be got by this technique. But the seeds of several bush bean varieties should be exploited to fix-up the agreeable limits of the traits. In addition to that, the variety BB1 could also be used in hybridization program as a parent to have better seeds of inherent quality. Finally, to shorten time, the ageing epoch could also be condensed by elevating the seed moisture contents to a certain stage.