Accelerated Ageing Test in Maize: Pattern of Seed Deterioration

Abstract

The freshly harvested seeds of maize single cross hybrid TNAU maize hybrid CO 6 were kept under accelerated ageing condition by exposing the seeds to 40°C temperature and 100 per cent relative humidity in order to assess the physical, physiological and biochemical changes taking place during storage. This study revealed that minimum germination of 90 per cent as per the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS) was reached on 4th day of accelerated ageing and reached 54 percent on 9th day of accelerated ageing against the initial seed germination of 98 per cent. The moisture content was increased from 10.1 per cent to 15.9 per cent on 9th day of accelerated ageing. The root length, shoot length, dry matter production, vigour index, α-amylase, catalase, peroxidase activity and carbohydrate content were decreased. Whereas electrical conductivity of seed leachate and reducing sugars were increased, while advancing the period of accelerated ageing.