The Influence of Packaging Materials and Storage Duration on Seed Quality of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

The process of seed deterioration can lead to some physiological changes, such as a progressive decrease in germinability, an increase mean time for germination, an increase in the number of abnormal seedlings and a subsequent lower tolerance to adverse storage conditions. This study was conducted to determine the seed quality losses associated with the use of different types of packaging materials used for storage under farm condition. The study was conducted in collaboration with sesame farmers in Pwintphyu Township, from August 2016 to March 2017 (pre-monsoon seed storage) and in Pakokku Township, from January 2017 to August 2017 (post-monsoon seed storage). The sesame seeds were stored in the farmers’ houses using two types of packaging materials; woven polypropylene bags and pioneer super bags. The data were recorded before storage and at two-month intervals during the eight month storage period. The results show that the germination percentage and germination index means of the pre-monsoon seeds stored in woven polypropylene bag are significantly higher than for those stored in super bags. However, the packaging material used has no significant influence on the germination percentage and germination index of post-monsoon sesame seeds. In regard to storage duration, there was significant variation in the germination percentage and germination indexes depending on storage method for both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seeds. Although the seedling vigour measures of index I and II for pre-monsoon seeds stored in woven polypropylene bag are significantly higher than for those of seeds stored in super bags, there is no difference in seedling vigour indexes I and II for post-monsoon seeds with the use of different packaging methods. However, the seedling vigour indexes I and II of both pre- and post-monsoon seeds varied significantly with duration of storage. Germination percentage and germination indexes are different for the two packaging materials examined, for pre-monsoon sesame storage. The germination percentage and germination indexes of stored seeds in super bags are significantly lower than that in woven polypropylene bags, whereas, this effect was not observed in post-monsoon sesame. Black sesame cultivated in both pre-monsoon and post- monsoon seasons has a different dormancy period, and any effect of packaging materials on this dormancy release time is not evident, for both seasons. Therefore, hermetic (super bag) storage can be used in post-monsoon sesame without adverse effects on germination. However, without further research, hermetic storage appears to not be suitable for pre-monsoon sesame, due to its negative effect on germination.