Seed Quality Response of Rohida (Tecomella undulata) to Storage Conditions and Packaging Types

Tecomella undulata (commonly known as Rohida) is a valuable tree species of arid and semi-arid regions, with significant ecological and economic importance. However, limited attention has been given to its seed storage behavior, which is critical for conservation and propagation efforts. The present study aimed to assess the effect of storage environment, storage containers and storage period on seed quality parameters of Rohida (Tecomella undulata) from July 2022- March 2024. Freshly harvested seeds were packed in two containers, poly bags and cloth bags, and stored in two environments, i.e., controlled (at 4°C) and ambient conditions (room temperature). Polybags were more effective in preserving seed quality, with higher average germination (63.92%) compared to cloth bags (59.25%). Controlled storage conditions significantly outperformed ambient conditions in maintaining germination (65.52% vs. 57.65%) and reducing moisture fluctuations. The study underscores the importance of using appropriate storage environments and packaging materials to maintain seed quality in Rohida, with implications for large-scale propagation and afforestation programs in arid landscapes.