Seed longevity and its association with horticultural traits in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck.)
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Date
2022-12-13
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CSK HPKV, Palampur
Abstract
Study on seed longevity was carried out by packing the seeds of three broccoli varieties of Himachal
Pradesh in high density polyethylene (HDPE) bags and storing them under ambient condition (July
2021 to September 2022) following completely randomized design in four replications. The
experimental material was also planted in the field during rabi 2021-22 following RBD in five
replications to evaluate the varieties for 10 horticultural traits in order to establish an association of seed
longevity with important horticultural traits. Data recorded after fixed bimonthly intervals over a period
of 14 months revealed that most of the seed quality parameters viz. per cent germination, rate of
germination, field emergence, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seed vigour indices I & II
gradually declined, whereas electrical conductivity witnessed an increasing trend with the advancement
of storage period. Amongst varieties, Palam Vichitra followed by Palam Samridhi exhibited better seed
quality parameters as compared to Pusa Broccoli KTS-1 and the seed longevity was inferred from the
per cent germination- final count of the three varieties of broccoli after the completion of the storage
period of 14 months. After 14 months of seed storage, per cent germination of variety Palam Vichitra
was found to be significantly higher followed by Palam Samridhi and Pusa Broccoli KTS-1. Field
evaluation and further analysis of variance revealed that the mean sum of squares due to the varieties
were significant for all the horticultural traits except plant height and head size index. Under the field
conditions, Palam Vichitra was the best performing variety as compared to other two varieties.
Correlation of seed per cent germination after 14 months of seed storage showed significant positive
correlation with marketable yield per plant, leaf size without leaf stalk and harvest index. A significant
negative correlation of per cent germination – final count after 14 months of seed storage with plant
height was also recorded. Hence, dwarf varieties/genotypes producing more marketable yield per plant,
having more leaf size without leaf stalk and high percentage of harvest index are likely to have seeds
with better storage life/seed longevity.