THE EFFECT OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON THE VIABILITY, VIGOUR AND STORABILITY OF MAIZE, (ZEA MAYS L.). SORGHUM (SORGHUM VULGARE L.) AND SOYBEAN (GLYCTNE MAX (L) MERRILL) SEEDS

TENG YEEW THAI

SUMMARY

A study was made on the effect of initial seed moisture, packaging and storage environment on the viability of one variety each of maize, sorghum and soybean seeds for 18 months. Generally, initial seed moisture of about 8% was more favourable than 10% in the maintenance of seed viability during storage. Controlled atmospheric conditions of 20°C and 50% RH was also more favourable than non-controlled ambient conditions (28°C-30°C: 80% RH) for seed storage. In addition, the seeds were less prone to rapid deterioration when stored in scaled tin cans where seed moisture fluctions during storage was insignificant. Maize and sorghum seeds whose initial moisture was less than 10.5% can be maintained at more than 70% germination for over 12 months when stored in either sealed tin cans, sealed polythene bags or sealed paper envelops under controlled atmospheric conditions of 20°C and 50% RH. Under non-controlled atmospheric conditions, they can only be similary preserved in sealed tin cans. Soybean seeds, however, showed more rapid deterioration than maize and sorghum under similar conditions of storage. An initial moisture not exceeding 10.5% they can be stored in sealed tin cans for least six months under either controlled or non-controlled atmospheric conditions and still maintain a germination of more than 70%. However at a lower initial moisture of about 8% their germination can be maintined above 70% for least 12 months in sealed tin cans under controlled atmospheric conditions of 20°C and 50% RH. 

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