Hydrolats and extracts vegetable action on quality of stored castor bean seeds in non-controlled conditions

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the action of hydrolats and extracts of medicinal plants and herbs on the quality of castor bean seeds stored in uncontrolled conditions. The seeds used in the experiment were packed in cotton bags and stored for 12 months. During storage was carried sanity test, “Blotter test” to determine the sanitary quality of castor beans seeds. After storage, the seeds were treated with fungicide, hydrolats, and extract of medicinal plants and herbs. After that, we proceeded the sanity test again to determine the effect of seed treatment on reducing the infestation of fungi and evaluate the physiological quality of treated seeds. The experiments were set up in an entirely randomized. F. oxysporum, Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. were observed in the seeds on storage. The physiological quality of seeds reduced with storage. Treatment with Captana, hydrolate of L. sidoides and C. zeylanicum extract drastically reduced the fungal infestation. C. zeylanicum extracts diminished the germination and vigor of castor bean seeds. The Zingiber officinale extract enables the control of Fusarium oxysporum and does not affect the quality of castor bean seeds.