Impact of differential storage conditions on seed germination and viability of some medicinal plants

摘要

The present study describes the impact of different storage comportments on germination and viability of seven plant species of ethno-medicinal importance in Chhattisgarh state of India. Seeds were subjected to various storage environments (room and low temperature); storage types (polythene bag, cloth bag, aluminum foil, paper bag) and storage durations (3, 6 and 9 months). Observation on germination percentage clearly indicated that at room temperature poly bag was found to be most suitable for storage compared with other materials whereas, under low temperature aluminum foil tend to be most ideal for seed storage. Seeds stored in cloth bag were found with least germination percentage among the tested plant species. Irrespective of plant species, germination percentages were significantly higher when seeds are stored in room ?temperature. Interaction between storage conditions, type of storage and plant species on the viability of seed was also found to be significant. It was interesting to note that seed germination percentage varied within seven plant species collected from different wild habitats. Further studies on important medicinal plant species would be useful to optimize the storage components. The data also exert implications for conservation of tested medicinal plant species in respect to proper seed storage.