Effect of Storage Containers and Storage Periods on the Moisture Content, Germination and Biotic Status of Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) Seed

Abstract

To observe the moisture content and germination capacity of durum wheat seed stored in different storage containers for certain storage periods, a Lab. experiment was carried out at the Agronomy laboratory, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur, Bangladesh during March-May 2016. The experiment was designed completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications under three storage periods (30, 45, and 60 days after storage) and three seed containers (sealed plastic container, polythene bag and gunny bag). Initial seed moisture content (MC) and germination percentage (GP) was measured before storage of seeds. Seeds stored in containers gradually absorb moisture from air with the advancement of storage periods, and air leaked storage container i.e., gunny bag quickly absorb moisture than other two containers. The maximum values of GP were recorded of durum wheat seed with 30 days after storage (DAS) and the GP reduced significantly with increasing storage periods from 30 to 45 DAS. The highest GP (78.00 %) was found at 30 DAS in sealed plastic container while the lowest (57.67 %) at 60 DAS in gunny bag. The rate of reduction was found to increase with the advancement of storage periods. Durum wheat seed kept in sealed plastic container and ply bag maintained the minimum MC and eventually showed highest GP. An outstanding performance of GP was observed in sealed plastic container seed while the gunny bag provided the inferior GP among all of the three containers. Several fungi was observed such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Penicillium and Rhizopus during germination study, although no insect was found to any storage container during the storage periods. Higher number of fungus was observed in seeds of gunny bag than sealed plastic container and poly bag. In conclusion, durum wheat seeds should be stored in air tight container for certain periods.