Effects of seed maturity level, desiccation, packaging and storage temperature on seed quality of spiderplant (Cleome gynandra L.)

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dc.contributor.author Muasya, Reuben M.
dc.contributor.author Kamotho, G. N.
dc.contributor.author Mathenge, P. W.
dc.contributor.author Dulloo, M. E.
dc.date.accessioned 2015-01-09T12:01:07Z
dc.date.available 2015-01-09T12:01:07Z
dc.date.issued 2012
dc.identifier.uri http://41.89.99.18:8080/bitstream/handle/123456789/224/Effects%20of%20Seed%20Maturity%20Level%2c%20Desiccation%2c%20Packaging%20and%20Storage%20Temperature.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/541
dc.description.abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the critical moisture content and the best storage conditions for spiderplant seeds with a view to addressing the poor seed quality and promote conservation of this plant genetic resource. In experiment one, seeds harvested at three pod maturity stages; yellow, yellow-green and green were dried above silica gel to percentage moisture contents of 20, 10, 5 and 2. For each maturity stage, viability and vigour tests were conducted. Percent germination and vigour increased with seed maturity. Prior to storage, initial germination for green, yellow-green and yellow pod maturity stages was 0.75%, 12% and 14.5% respectively. Green pod maturity stage had the least vigour as indicated by the mean germination time and electrical conductivity values of 4.18days and 420.77 Scm-1g-1 respectively. Yellow pod maturity stage had the highest vigour of 2.00 days mean germination time and electrical conductivity of 20.51 Scm-1g-1. Yellow-green pod maturity stage was intermediate with 2.02days mean germination time and 22.61 Scm-1g-1 of electrical conductivity. Germination of seeds from yellow and yellow-green pods increased with reduction in moisture content while that of green pods decreased. Based on this study, the critical moisture content for spiderplant seeds could be between 5% and 3%. Mature seeds that had been dried to the four moisture levels in experiment one were sealed in aluminum foil and polythene packets and stored at ambient temperatures (10oC - 26oC), 5oC and -20oC for six months. After six months storage period, viability and vigour tests were conducted. Seed stored for six months at 5% moisture content and minus 20oC recorded the highest seed quality. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between seeds packaged in aluminium foil and polythene packets. In conclusion, spiderplant seed should be harvested at yellow pod maturity stage, dried to 5% moisture content, and stored at minus 20oC. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.title Effects of seed maturity level, desiccation, packaging and storage temperature on seed quality of spiderplant (Cleome gynandra L.) en_US
dc.type Presentation en_US


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