Influence of storage conditions on shelf-life of Dendrocalamus sikkimensis seeds.

Bamboo is one of the renewable natural resources and plays significant role in livelihood of rural people. Its propagation through seeds is efficient and cost effective but development of appropriate storage technique is extremely useful for prolonging seed viability. Seeds were processed, sealed in polythene bags and stored in air tight containers under 4°C, 16°C and ambient temperature. Effect of leaf extract/fungicides on seed-borne mycoflora was evaluated. Periodical viability tests were conducted to evaluate shelf-life of seeds. Seeds stored at 4°C and 45±5 % relative humidity had maintained viability for 36 months with 52 % germination. Occurrence of mycoflora was minimal on seeds treated with Neem leaves/Mancozeb 75% WP and stored at 4°C. It could be inferred from the study that the best conditions for storage of bamboo seeds to extend shelf-life is air tight container under 4°C with 45±5 % relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]