Moisture-dependent physical and physiological properties of accelerated aged pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the physical as well as physiological properties of three fresh pea seed lots (cv. Arkel) with moisture content and germination percentage varying from 14.94% to 28.04% dry basis and 80% to 60% respectively. This variation in moisture content and physiological parameters was obtained using accelerated aging (40°C and 100% RH). The geometric (spatial dimensions, sphericity and surface area), gravimetric (terminal velocity, true density, test weight, bulk density and porosity), frictional (angle of repose, coefficient of static friction), mechanical (compressive strength) and physiological parameters (seedling dry weight, seedling length, vigour indices, electrical conductivity and root growth parameters) were determined for the selected seed lots. The effect of moisture content on seed lots was significant (R2 ≥ 0.947) on physical and physiological properties of seed lots. This study may help in designing seed priming prototype suitable for pea seeds.