Storability of Some Elite Maize Varieties in Ghana.
Loading...
Date
2010-07-13
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In an attempt to investigate means of minimising storage costs without compromising physiological quality of seed, five (5) maize varieties; namely: Mamab,. Obatanpa, Kawanzie, Abeleehi and Kwadaso Local were harvested and shelled at moisture levels of 8% and 9% respectively. The maize varieties were packed in moisture-proof polythene bags of 0.2mm thickness and stored under two conditions, the cold room (15°c/85% r.h) and ambient (25°c/70 r.h) for a period of up to five (5) months. Higher germination percentage and vigour were maintained throughout the storage period of five months for seeds stored at 8% moisture level in the cold room. A significant drop in germination percentage and vigour were observed after three months of storage for seeds stored at a moisture content of 9% in the ambient condition. Maize seeds should be dried to a moisture content of 8% and stored under cold condition in order to maintain its high viability and vigour. Conversely, maize could be dried to a moisture content of 8% and stored under ambient conditions in the absence of cold storage facilities and still maintain an appreciable level of viability and vigour. The study has shown that maize seed dried to a lower moisture content is essential for longevity.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Seed Science and Technology on April.