Abstract:
A study on the effects of different moisture contents on seeds of okra (Abelmoschus
esculentus), greenbean (Phaseolus vu!garis) and longbean (Vigna sinensis) was
undertaken at room temperature under laboratory conditions. The parameters measured
are germination percentage, seed death percentage, dormancy percentage and mean time
germination (MTG). At 18% and 6% of moisture contents, the germination percentage
of okra was lower but seed death percentage was higher as compared to other moisture
contents. For long bean, germination percentage was declined but seed death percentage
was increased when reducing the moisture content to 6%. Seed dormancy was higher as
the moisture content of longbean was reduced to 6% while no effect was observed on
greenbean seeds containing 9% and 12% moisture contents. Reduction of moisture
content of okra seeds caused higher mean time germination. while no effects was found
on greenbean and longbean seeds. The results of this study indicate that the optimum
moisture content for storage of okra seeds is found to be between 10% to 14%, while
for longbean is between 9% to 12%.
