Effect of polythiophene coating on storage of bajra (Pennisetum typhoides)

Polyvinyl alcohol - Polythiophene (PVA - PTh) composite was prepared by polymerization using ferric chloride as an oxidant. Bajra grains were coated with PVA-PTh composite. The coated and non-coated (control) grains were allowed to germinate under similar conditions. The newly yielded grains were stored in earthen pots for a period of 12 months at ambient conditions. The biochemical parameters such as protein, starch, nucleic acids and carbohydrate contents in the grains were periodically estimated. It was observed that the protein, starch, nucleic acids and carbohydrate contents in the grains of bajra, obtained by sowing PTh coated grains were distinctly higher as compared to that present in grains of bajra plant obtained by sowing non coated grains.