Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Mustard Seeds during Storage

Abstract

Mustard is a recent introduction to Tamil Nadu and the thermo sensitivity of the crop is the major limitation for its spread unlike other oilseeds crop. Seed production and storage activity is to be initiated/started for the quality seed production and maintenance. The present investigation is an attempt to study the effect of different storage treatment and containers in mustard cv. GM2. The experiment conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during 2007. The Seeds treated with Halogen m0ixture @ 4 g kg¹, Bavistin @ 2 g kg¹, Halogen mixture @4 g kg¹ and Bavistin @2g kg' along with untreated seeds were stored in cloth bag and 700 gauge polythene bag for 10 months under ambient storage conditions. The moisture content varied from 7.0 to 7.5 per cent as the period of storage increased. The germination (86.7%), shoot (8.54 cm) and root length (18.58 cm), vigour index (2398) and dry matter production (22.1 mg) decreased as the period of storage advanced. Seeds treated with Halogen mixture @4g kg + Bavistin @2g kg of seed and stored in 700 gauge polythene bag maintained higher germination (88.7 per cent) and vigour index of 2463. The biochemical parameters like a-amylase activity, electrical conductivity, oil content and free fatty acid varied due to period of storage, treatments and containers. The study thus concluded that seed treated with Halogen mixture @4g kg + Bavistin @2g kg¹ stored in polythene bag maintained better vigour and viability up to 10 months compared to other treatments under ambient condition.