Changes in Blackgram Seed Quality during Storage as Influenced by Various Packaging Materials and Storage Conditions

A storage experiment was conducted to know the influence of various packaging materials and storage conditions on blackgram seed quality. During the course of the investigation, various packaging materials such as cloth, gunny, high density polythene (HDPE) and vacuum packed bags were used and these bags were kept under ambient and cold storage for 18 months. As the storage period progressed, seed infestation with bruchids (Callosobruchus sps.) was observed in cloth, gunny and HDPE bags under ambient condition only after 8 months of storage. At the end of the storage period, there was no such bruchids infestation was seen in a vacuum packed bag of ambient condition and in all the packaging materials of the cold condition. Further, at the end of the storage period, seeds of vacuum packed bag under both ambient and cold conditions only have maintained minimum germination percent as described by the Central Seed Certification Board, Government of India. So, this technology can be effectively used to extend the storage period of blackgram without any storage chemicals i.e., in a chemical-free environment. Hence, along with maintaining seed health for a longer time, a threat to the environment can be completely averted.