Influence of Desiccants on Seed Quality and Longevity in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Seed deterioration during storage poses serious threats to crop production, yield and finally food security. The present study aimed to assess the impact of desiccants on seed quality and longevity in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, to evaluate the effect of different desiccants on seed quality and longevity. Seeds of the rice variety Jyothi were treated with calcium chloride 8 g/kg, charcoal 10 g/kg, clay 10 g/kg, pot pieces 10 g/kg, sawdust 10 g/kg, silica gel 10 g/kg, soil 10 g/kg and zeolite beads 10 g/kg and packaged in conventional gunny bags and polyethylene-lined gunny bags. Seed quality parameters, such as germination per cent, seed moisture content, mean germination time, time taken for 50% germination and vigour index I were assessed before and after one month of storage. The data recorded were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with completely randomized design (CRD), and treatment means were distinguished using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results showed that seeds treated with calcium chloride effectively lowered the seed moisture content and enhanced vigour. Charcoal and soil recorded high germination per cent. Polyethylene-lined gunny bags work better compared to conventional gunny bags, which shows the importance of choosing the right material for storage. This research study was done due to the need to increase the efficiency of low-cost seed storage for small-scale rice farmers in humid regions, since inadequate storage results in seed deterioration and yield loss.