Conservation of botilegourd germplasm seeds

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria Standi) germplasm is commonly preserved through the seeds. Seeds are short lived under ambient conditions. Seeds of cv. Arka Bahar with 7.5 per cent moisture was packed in kraft paper, polyethylene (300 gauge), glass and sealed laminated aluminium foil pouched and stored at ambient (16–35°C), low (5°C) and sub-zero (−20°C) temperatures for 5 years. Seed viability reduced to 50 per cent in paper and polyethylene bags after 1 year of ambient storage and none of the seeds germinated during second year of storage. However, the high seed viability was retained for 5 years at 5°C and -20°C. Polyethylene bags are effective in retaining high viability (> 90%) at 5°C and laminated aluminium foil pouches at −20°C. There was increased leaching of electrolytes, soluble sugars and potassium for ambient stored seeds than low temperature stored seeds. Further, dehydrogenase activity lowered significantly in ambient stored seeds. Seed conservation in polyethylene bags at 5°C is effective for conserving germplasm for relatively shorter period (5 years). However, for long term storage, seeds to be conserved in laminated aluminium foil pouches at −20°C with high vigour.