Effect of Natural Ageing on Seed Quality of Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.)

Abstract

The present research was carried out on four genotypes of fenugreek viz. HM-202, HM-204, HM-205 and HM-214, with four seed lots of each genotype including fresh, one year, two year and three year old seed lot. In this experiment, all the four seed lots of each four genotypes were tested for various physiological and biochemical basis for loss in viability and vigour. It was observed that, test weight (g), seed density (g/cc), standard germination (%), seedling length (cm), dry weight per seedling (mg), vigour index-I & II, viability (%) by tetrazolium test, speed of emergence, seedling establishment (%) decreased whereas, mean emergence time (days) and electrical conductivity (µS/cm/seed) of seed leachates increased with ageing period. The seed of each genotype sustain their germination up to two year thereafter, the germination falls below IMSCS (70 %). Maximum germination was retained by genotype HM-202 followed by, HM-205 and maximum loss of germination was observed in genotype HM-214, hence the genotype HM-202 was found superior in respect of viability, vigour and storability whereas genotype HM-214 was found poor under ambient conditions.