GERMINATION AND VIGOUR OF STORED SORGHUM PIGEON PEA AND GROUNDNUT SEEDS

Abstract

Seed lots of Sorghum, pigeonpea and groundnut harvested in different
years and stored for durations varying from one to ten year:s (1977-1986)
under controlled conditions ofmedium term storageWC/20% RH) were
genninated under different temperatures and substrate moishm conditions.
The germination and seedling vigour were studied to find out optimum
conditions while monitoring seeds in gene bank. Minimum mean
germination period was noted at intermediate levels ofmoisture content.
Mean germination period was maximum at the lowest moisture level.
Mean germination period decreased with the increase in temperature.
Seed lot stored for longer duration had longer mean germination period
than the seed lot stored for shorter duration.