Influence of Seed Storage Period on The Germination Performance of Pepper Seeds

Seed longevity is a critical determinant of crop performance and germplasm conservation, yet strong genotype-dependent variability remains poorly documented in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). This study investigates the impact of a decade of storage on the germination performance of three Tunisian genotypes (Nabeul, Mahdia and Kairouan). Seed lots harvested in 2013 and 2023 were evaluated under controlled conditions using viability, germination speed and vigor metrics. Long-term storage caused significant reductions in viability, germination rate, and vigor across genotypes, reflecting pronounced physiological deterioration. Fresh seeds exhibited consistently higher germination percentage, capacity, speed index, coefficient of velocity, and germination vigor index values, together with markedly lower mean germination time. Strong genotype-specific responses were identified: Nabeul maintained high germination and vigor regardless of storage duration, whereas Mahdia showed excellent performance when fresh but severe deterioration after 10 years; Kairouan displayed intermediate sensitivity. These findings highlight substantial genetic variation in seed aging tolerance and underscore the value of long-lived genotypes such as Nabeul for seed conservation, breeding programs, and long-term germplasm management.