Effect of seed treatments and storage containers on seed quality of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the effect of seed treatments and storage containers on seed quality of berseem. The seeds treated with five combinations were stored for 24 months in four different seed storage containers along with control. The study showed that seed treatments and storage containers had significant effect on berseem seed health. The moisture content, mycoflora incidence and insects’ infestation of seeds were gradually increased with increase in storage period, whereas seed germination and seed vigour were gradually decreased. Highest seed germination (88.83%) and seed vigour (714) were recorded with the seeds stored in polylined bag followed by earthen pot and lowest was recorded in gunny bag. Among the treatments, carbendazim and malathion were found more effective than neem, eucalyptus leaves and cow dung ash up to 24 months. The study indicated that bamboo containers and earthen pots were suitable for short term (6-12 months) and polylined bags for medium term (12- 24 months) storage. The combination of seed treatment with carbendazim or malathion, and polylined bag as storage container was found suitable to maintain berseem seed viability for more than 24 months.