Improvement in seed quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) through electric field application during storage

The electric field with different power levels and time periods was applied on onion seeds of var. Baswant-780 harvested during the years 2012 and 2013 and stored in 700 gauge plastic bag at room temperature. The germination percentage and vigour index were recorded at an interval of 30 days. The electric field treatment to onion seed had beneficial effect on seed quality and storability. The seeds treated with 60% (540 watt) microwave power level for 20 sec. were found to be better than other treatments. Higher germination and better seed quality parameters were reported due to the electric treatment. The power level of 60% for 10 and 20 sec. could maintain seed germination up to minimum seed certification standards till 330 days during storage against 270 days in untreated (control) seeds during the year 2013. However, the 2012's lot could maintain germination upto 240 days, as against 180 days of control. The results obtained during present investigation will be useful for maintaining quality of onion seeds.