Technique of Storing Seed

Seed is viable and has a potential to develop into a new plant. When the seed is produced it goes into dormancy for some time. This dormancy has to be preserved till the seed is used in the next season, next year or after some years. When the seed gets favourable conditions like suitable medium (soil) water, temperature, moisture etc. it germinates and grows into plant. But if we want to keep the seed in dormant condition and preserve its viability, it has to be kept under special conditions which are just opposite of those required for germination. Some special technique is followed to store the seed so as to preserve its viability for a longer period.

Need For Storage:

1. Seed produced in one season is used in the next season. Till that time it has to be stored.

2. Extra unused or unsold seed has necessarily to be stored.

3. In research plant breeders have to store seeds of variety of crops for 5-10 years to maintain germplasm.

Factors Responsible for Reducing Viability:

1. Factors which are favourable for germination of seed reduce viability. For example water, high humidity, high temperature etc

2. Stage of maturity when harvested. Less matured seeds have low viability.

3. Incidence of storage pests and diseases. If the seeds are eaten or damage by insects and non-insects, their viability is less.

4. Physical injuries during storage.

Dormancy:

It is a condition of a seed in which it is temporarily inactive. It does not die but does not grow also. The dormancy of seeds varies widely from seed to seed. Some seeds remain viable only for few days (40 to 50 days). While some seeds remain dormant for few years. It is this dormancy which is to be preserved during storage. Whether the dormancy is less or more care has to be taken during storage specially for seeds which have less dormancy.

Technique of Storage:

Technique of storage involves following steps:

1. To control environmental factors temperature & humidity. High temperature and high humidity reduce the viability of seed. The temperature should be less than 30^o C and humidity 50-60 %. The seed should be stored in cool dry places.

2. Moisture content of seeds. The seed should be dried properly in the sun or by mechanical driers as to bring down moisture content within range of 8 to 9 per cent.

3. Cleanliness:

Store room/godown should be properly cleaned, it should be painted with while colour and sprayed with Malathion 50EC insecticide.

4. Care During Storage

1. The seed should be inspected every after 15 days and manipulated accordingly. If there is any incidence of storegrain pests fumigation should be done with

1. Aluminium phosphide tablets 2 to 3 tablets per tonne.

2. Ethylene dibromide 32 gm per cubic meter space.

1. After fumigation there should be good ventilation.

2. The godown should be disinfected every after 3-4 weeks with sprays of Malathion 50 EC.

3. The godown should always be kept clean.

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