Seed priming for long-term storage of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Mid-storage seed (4-5 months old) of five sesame genotypes viz., SI-70, NIC-8316, B-9, B-14 and Saheb weresubjected to invigoration treatments, both dry and wet. Dry seed treatments included aspirin, bleaching powder and red chilli powder, whereas soaking-drying was taken as a wet treatment. Both treated and non-treated seeds of five genotypes were subjected to accelerated ageing for 9 days to evaluate seed vigour and biochemical parameters like oil and protein (both crude and soluble) content as well fatty acid compositions. Treated seeds along with control were also grown in the field to study the effect of seed invigoration treatments on crop growth and yield under field conditions. A consistent beneficial response of wet treatment, soaking-drying, was recorded with regard to vigour, viability, quality and productivity, but the response varied differently in different genotypes. Among dry treatments, bleaching powder and red chilli powder appeared to be very effective to reduce the loss of vigour and viability. Accelerated ageing caused a consistent reduction in germination percentage and seedling vigour of all genotypes. Reduction in oil and protein percentage was also recorded due to accelerated ageing. But reduction percentage was higher in artificially aged control seeds as compared to soaking-drying treated seeds. Therefore, priming with midstorage wet treatment, soaking-drying, as well dry treatments like bleaching powder and red chilli powder may be suggested for improvement of germinability and field performance and there by ideal for long term storage of sesame seed.