Abstract

Physiological and biochemical deterioration of seeds during storage is considered to be one of the major factors affecting seed germinability and vigour. Niger being an oilseed crop, the seeds undergo rapid deterioration during storage by membrane damage which was indicated by increased electrical conductivity of seed leachate. This biochemical process of seed deterioation during storage could be minimized by giving seed treatment either with chlorine based halogen formulation @ 3g kg or with chilli powder @2g kg of seed and packed in polylined cloth bag which maintained higher germination and vigour index after six months of storage. The treated seeds also recorded lower electrical conductivity than the control seeds packed in cloth bag.

Keywords: Guizotia abyssinica, eco-friendly seed treatments, control of seed deterioration.