Exploring the Use of Low Temperatures for Enhancing Life Span of Seed Germplasm in Okra

Okra seed germplasm was conserved in moisture semi-permeable and impermeable containers at low (5°C) and sub-zero temperatures (−20°C) for 20 years with the view to ascertain the extent of recovery of germplasm. High seed quality and vigour was obtained both at 5 and -20°C after 20 years of storage. However, the initial viability (96%) was reduced to almost 1/3 (26%) after 5 years of storage at ambient temperature (l6-35°C) while it was retained cent per cent for 20 years at low temperature. The okra seed germplasm could be conserved at 5°C in moisture semi-permeable or impermeable containers with the greater extent of recovery. The former appears to be cheaper and easily accessible and also effective for conservation of okra seed germplasm.