Effects of moisture contents on seed storage of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), greenbean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and longbean (Vigna sinensis) at room temperature

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%.