Factors Influencing the Deterioration of Groundnut Seed Health and Its Implications on Storage Capacity

Abstract

Aims: The current study aimed to investigate the factors influencing seed deterioration in groundnut. Study Design: Three factorial CRD. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Seed Research and Technology Centre, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, between february 2022 to march 2023. Methodology: Groundnut seeds harvested at different stages (early, normal, and late) were considered, each with varying seed moisture levels (8%, 10%, and 12%). These seeds were stored under ambient conditions for one year and evaluated for percentage of seed infection, seed rot, and bruchid infection. The assessments were carried out with three replicates, each consisting of 100 seeds. The study was conducted using a three-factorial design as the experimental setup involved three independent variables. Results: Results showed that among the different seed moisture levels, seeds harvested early with 8% moisture content exhibited the lowest percentages of seed infection, seed rot, and bruchid infection at 62.75% and 59.58% respectively after one year of storage. Conversely, seeds from the late harvesting window with 12% seed moisture content displayed the highest percentages of these seed health parameters at 53%, 00%, and 49.42% respectively. Notably, there was significant variation in seed infection rates observed in both 8% and 12% seed moisture content groups. Conclusion: These discoveries reveal the vital significance of timely harvesting and maintaining the right moisture levels to safeguard the quality and health of seeds.