Effects of Packaging Material and Storage Duration on Germination Ability and Vigour of Stored Sunflower Seeds

This study was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, to examine the impact of interaction between packaging materials, seed sources, and storage duration on the viability and vigour of sunflower seeds. Quality Declared Seeds (QDS), certified seeds (Control), and farmer-saved seeds were stored in three types of packaging—plastic containers, polypropylene bags, and sisal bags—over six months. Monthly assessments were conducted to measure seed moisture content (SMC), germination percentage (GeP), seedling vigour index (SVI), and fungal infection incidence (FII), using a split-split-plot design in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results revealed highly significant interaction effects of packaging materials and storage duration on all parameters (P<0.001). Before storage, seeds exhibited a minimum SMC of 9.00%, a maximum GeP of 87.0%, an SVI of 1981.6, and a low FII of 44%. After six months, seeds stored in plastic containers maintained the highest GeP (80.22%), SVI (1814), and the lowest FII (64.17%) and SMC (10.22%). In contrast, seeds in sisal bags recorded the lowest GeP (68.89%), SVI (1536), highest FII (74.33%), and SMC (13.14%). The combination effects of packaging materials, seed sources, and storage duration were significantly different for SMC (P=0.014) and FII (P<0.001), while no significant interaction was found for GeP (P=0.677) and SVI (P=0.584). This study highlights that plastic containers are the most effective packaging for preserving sunflower seed viability and vigour, while reducing fungal infections. It underscores the significance of proper packaging and storage strategies to enhance seed quality, crucial for improving sunflower productivity in Tanzania.