Optimum temperature and moisture contents of storage for papaya seed (Carica papaya. L)

Abstract

This experiment examined the suitable temperature and moisture content for storage of papaya seed (Carica papaya L.) cultivar of "sekaki". The seeds were purchased from Department of Agriculture Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The seeds were dried using silica gel to different moisture contents of 6, 8 and 10 % and stored at different temperatures of 0, 4 and 28 °C for three months. Seeds containing 6% moisture content and stored at O °C is higher germination percentage, lower dormancy percentage, lower seed death compared to other storage conditions suggesting optimal conditions for seed storage of papaya seeds. However, seeds containing 10% moisture content and stored at 28 °C is not recommended for storage because the seed deterioration rate is higher within three months of storage.