Effect of Zeolite Beads and Silica Gel on Seed Quality Parameters of Okra Genotypes

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, Karnataka. The study aimed to investigate the impact of various desiccants on seed quality parameters in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) along with the comparison of untreated control. The findings indicated that zeolite beads (1:0.2 seed: desiccant by weight) for 24 h. registered significantly lowest (8.04%) seed moisture content and lowest (349.18 µS/cm) electrical conductivity as compared to the control (12.10% and 356.35 µS/cm/g, respectively). Similarly, zeolite beads (1:0.2 seed: desiccant by weight) for 24 h. registered the highest (76.85%) seed germination, root length (16.56 cm), shoot length (14.02 cm), mean seedling dry weight (98.03 mg), seedling vigour index-I (2303), seedling vigour index-II (7542) and highest (2.38 A480nm) total dehydrogenase activity indicating better seed quality as compare to control (70.27%, 12.57 cm, 10.28 cm, 91.82 mg, 1623, 6461 and 1.80 A480nm, respectively). Overall, the results suggest that zeolite beads are an effective desiccant for enhancing seed quality in okra by reducing moisture content and improving physiological and biochemical parameters, which are critical for seed storage and vigor.