Search

Watermelon seed being an oily seed is prone to rapid deterioration of its quality, hence maintaining quality during storage is germane. The study therefore investigated the effect of crude plant powder, storage containers and storage duration on the seed quality of two varieties of watermelon seeds. Seed lots each of 100 g of each variety were treated with 10 g of four crude plant powders of clove basil leaf, red chilli pepper fruit, garlic, neem leaf and a synthetic fungicide. All samples were stored in three storage containers (envelope, tin and glass bottle). Treated seeds were stored under ambient conditions for 180 days. Germination and seedling vigour were determined at 180 day time course after storage. Data were subjected to mean separation using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Significant differences were observed in the quality traits examined in water melon due to differences in variety, seed treatment, storage container and storage period. ‘Kaolak’ was the best in storage in terms of seedling vigour and viability. Glass bottle was identified as the best storage container in maintaining seed quality of water melon throughout the storage period. The use of organic materials especially neem and clove basil leaf powder proved much better for maintaining germinability and seedling vigour and extension of seed longevity than inorganic material.

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Characterization, germination and conservation of seeds of Carapa procera DC. (Meliaceae), a useful medicinal species for human and animal health. Carapa procera DC. (Meliaceae) is a widespread species occurring in the woodlands of Africa and Latin America. It is a medicinal plant overexploited by the rural populations of southern Mali. Leaves, fruits and seeds, the bark of the trunk and the roots are used in the preparation of medicine for human and animal health. Such uses result in enormous pressures on natural stands of the species, which have great difficulty in regenerating naturally. Cultivation of C. procera was investigated through studies of its seed physiology and seedling production techniques for reintroduction into its natural habitat. Results showed that fresh seeds of C. procera had a moisture content of over 50% (based on fresh weight) and ≥ 90% germination. When seeds were dried in a ventilated room condition, their moisture content dropped below 20% after 2 weeks, resulting in a total loss of their germination capacity. Carapa procera seeds can therefore be described as recalcitrant seeds. Stored in kegs containing wood chips, 50% of (small size) seeds germinated after one month and 33% after three months, maintaining a 23.5% moisture content. This study recommends that seed moisture content should be kept at above 35% in order to maintain seed viability in storage. We found that using a substrate of silty clay in the nursery allowed a good growth of seedlings (≥ 40 cm), which could be planted out in the field within three months. In order to sustainably use and conserve C. procera in the savannah areas of West Africa, it is recommended that the species be cultivated through the establishment of plantations in its habitat by rural communities.

Copyright of Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Societe et Environnement is the property of Les Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)