Author(s):

Nivethitha M, Bineeta M Bara, AK Chaurasia, Manimurugan C and PM Singh

Abstract: Ultra-dry storage, also called low moisture content storage, is a technique for decreasing seed moisture content to below 5-6 per cent using different methods and then stored hermetically at ambient temperatures. Though sun drying is common practice to dry the seeds, it is difficult to bring down seed moisture where high humidity and high temperature is frequently fluctuating. Use of seed dryer also a best alternative to reduce the seed moisture. But it may affect the viability due to temperature fluctuation at the time of seed drying. Zeolite beads (aluminum silicate) and silica gel are desiccants, which can be utilized to Ultra- dry the seeds even in fluctuated temperature and RH without affecting quality of seeds. In this study, standardization of the drying method performed by mixing okra cv. Kashi Kranti seeds with zeolite beads and silica gel, separately, in the ratio of 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (seed: desiccant, by weight) in an air tight container and kept at room temperature. Initial moisture content of seeds (10.5%) was estimated by hot air oven method. Seeds were separated from desiccant and estimated for moisture content after 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h and 120h of drying. Moisture content of the seeds was noted down at every 24h interval. At the end of the experiment, final moisture content of dried seeds was estimated. It was observed that seed drying with zeolite beads was faster than silica gel. Significantly higher moisture content was removed from seeds by zeolite beads, and final moisture content of seeds dried with zeolite beads reached 4.59% in 1:3 ratio, which was higher moisture elimination than seeds dried with silica gel in the same ratio 6.21%. Since, hard seed formation is a problem in over dried okra seeds, germination test were conducted to know the germination (%) and vigour of dried seeds. Germination test reveals no reduction in germination (%) and no hard seed formation even in 1:3 ratio of seeds with zeolite beads. More than 80% germination was observed in all drying conditions and non-dried control which was on par with each other’s. Further work is necessary to know the storability of ultra-dried seeds under air tight condition.

DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2020.v9.i5q.12388

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