C.N. Muruli , K. Bhanuprakash, S.M. Jayanth1and B.C. Channakeshava
Abstract
An experiment was undertaken at ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru (India) with an aim to improve the longevity of primed bell pepper (Capsicum annum L., cv. California Wonder) seeds. Seeds were stored in modified atmosphere by using vacuum, nitrogen gas and air at ambient (28 ± 20C), 10oC, and -20oC temperatures. Germination and vigour tests revealed that primed seeds maintained higher germination (83%) and vigour parameters even after six months of storage under modified atmosphere. As clearly evident by the results (data) among atmosphere vacuum stored at 100C was best in extending the longevity of primed capsicum seeds followed by nitrogen gas and air. Since, primed seeds are desiccation sensitive and reported to be poor storers, modified atmospheric storage may be useful in obtaining efficacy of the priming treatment. However, odified atmosphere was not sufficient to stop deterioration, but it can extend the process of deterioration by maintaining the vigour.