Abstract

Twenty three cultivars of horsegram (straw testa (47.82 %), black testa (37.13 %) and light straw testa (13.04 %)) were screened during Rabi, 2008-09 and 2009-10 for yield and yield components and seed quality characters and stored in cloth bags for two years under ambient conditions. Results showed that more than 97 % germination was recorded in 21 cultivars (91.30 %), where as the remaining 8.70 % recorded < 97 % germination. HG 52 from black testa category recorded good germination and vigour besides possessing bold seeds. Among the straw testa group, HG 15 and HG 11 are considered to be good storers, vigorous and bold seeded. HG 14, HG 32 and Palem 2 from the light straw testa category were found superior for both germination and vigour. The light coloured fractions consistently showed highest germination per cent and seedling vigour followed by medium and dark coloured types in all the 23 accessions of horsegram.

Keywords: Germination, seed storage, horsegram.