Effect of Seed Treatments and Packing Materials on Seed Quality Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.) during Storage.

The cultivated species “Zea mays L. ” belongs to family poaceae (Graminae). Poaceae is the fifth largest family consisting of 10,000 species and at least 600 genera, unquestionably the most important family providing majority of food. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most nutritional crops and proper storage of seeds continues to be a challenge for farmers. In the present study, a storage experiment was conducted to understand the effect of different seed treatments, Packing materials and different storage periods on seed quality parameters of maize at Govt. Madhav Science PG College Ujjain (M.P). Freshly harvested Maize seeds of variety “JM-216” were collected from Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ujjain. The seeds were treated with Castor oil (5ml/kg), Captan (3g/kg), Vitavex (3g/kg) and Control (Untreated) stored in Cloth bags and Polybags for 3-9 months under ambient conditions at MVM Ujjain. The results revealed that the seeds treated with Captan recorded higher germination (80%) and for packing materials, Cloth bags recorded higher germination (75.5%), Vigour index(2161). For moisture content, Polybags recorded higher moisture content (8.7 %) at the end of 9-month storage. INTRODUCTION Maize (Zea mays L.) is important as a source of energy and protein in the human diet throughout the world (Rehman, 2006). Maize together with rice and wheat provides at least 30% of the food calories 2 more than 4.5 billion people in 94 developing countries, where maize is the preferred stapleThe production of maize in the world has been increasing continuously. At global level, India ranks 4th in area and 7th in production of maize. The area, production and productivity of maize in India are 8.6mha, 20.5mt and 2.4t/ha, respectively in 2010-11 (Annual Report Directorate of Maize Research 2011-12). The storage of food grains is practiced from the era of the beginning of civilization. It is an important problem because the production of grain crops is seasonal and location specific (Sawant, 1994). Proper crop storage plays an integral part in ensuring domestic food supply (Thamagachitja et al., 2004) and that seed quality and vigor is maintained ( Joao Abba and Lovato, 1999). Fluctuations in temperature, humidity and prolonged storage results in considerable nutrient losses (Shah et al., 2002). Seeds are required to be kept in safe storage since they are harvested. Despite significant advances in food storage methods, many communities still rely on traditional storage methods for seeds to be used as food and fodder (Olakojo and Akinlosotu, 2004). During storage, seed quality remain high at the initial level or decline to a level that may make the seed unacceptable for planting purpose what is related to many determinants: environmental conditions during seed production, pests, seed moisture content, grain characteristics, packing materials, storage periods, fungicidal seed treatments etc. Insect pests are one of the major organisms that are responsible for the decline in quantity, quality and germination potential of maize seeds in storage (Jayas and white, 2003). According to Joao Abba and Lovato, 1999; proper and safe storage conditions are those that maintain seed quality without loss of vigour for three years. The loss of quality of maize seeds stored in different packing materials is not only visually observed by the poor condition of the seeds but also by the performance of this seed when it is planted for the next season (Bellon, 2001). Seeds cannot retain their viability indefinitely and after a period of time, the seeds deteriorate. Prolonged storage period with high seed moisture percentage also causes reduction in germination, seedling vigour, and increases germination period and decreases chlorophyll content. Tekrony et al., (2005) studied the effect of storage of maize on germination and vigour in an “uncontrolled” warehouse and in a controlled environment, where the temperature and humidity were monitored. Their results showed that all seed lots had 87-99% germination prior to storage. After eight months storage in the “uncontrolled” warehouse, the germination declined to 50-80%. The productivity of a crop primarily depends on the availability of quality seeds. To maintain the quality of seeds during storage the standardization of suitable seed treatment and packing material is most important because seed treatment is the basic measure to assure an adequately health of crops at emergence and during further growth of plants. Good storage is a basic requirement in seed production program as the maintenance of high seed viability and vigour from the harvest to planting is of utmost important in a seed production program. In storage, the seeds are to be protected against the pests and pathogens. The seeds can be treated with different fungicides to prevent the growth of micro-organisms and insect infestation. Seed treatments with fungicides not only controls seed-borne diseases but also improve seed heath, plant stand, germination and crop yield (Tanweer 1982). Fungicide treatments are required for seeds to be stored