Seed quality of stored soybean (Glycine max) seeds as influenced by packaging materials and storage conditions

Abstract

A lab experiment was carried out to study the Seed quality of stored soybean (Glycine max) seeds as influenced by packaging materials and storage conditions. Soybean seeds (JS-335) were stored in different packaging materials viz., gunny bags and high-density polythene bags and vacuum-packed bags stored at room temperature (25 ± 2º C) and cold storage (4 ± 1º C) for a period of 18 months during 2020-21. The treatments having six combinations and consisting of different containers viz., gunny bags, high-density polythene bags, and vacuum-packed bags were replicated four times in both cold and ambient storage conditions in a completely randomized design. The results of the study revealed that the seed quality parameters viz., Seed germination, moisture content and electrical conductivity, seedling length, SVI, and seed physiological parameters such as mineral content (Cu, Mn, Zn and Mn) values were higher in vacuum-packed seeds than gunny, HDPE bags for soybean seeds stored under cold storage compared to room temperature throughout the storage period. Among the containers, the seeds stored in vacuum-packed bags maintained the seed quality and seed physiological parameters with least deterioration compared to seeds stored in gunny bags and high-density polythene bags.