An experiment was conducted using garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed germplasm conserved in laminated aluminium foil pouches along with nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or in partial vacuum under ambient conditions for 5 years. Seeds of cv Green Pearl were viable for 5 years under ambient conditions. High seed quality in terms of viability and vigour was preserved with carbon dioxide storage followed by nitrogen. It is beneficial to pack well-dried seeds along with carbon dioxide in laminated aluminium foil pouches forthe maintenance of high viability till next growing or for short-term conservation of seed germplasm. The modified atmosphere storage is effective for preservation of genetic diversity and useful especially in absence of cold storage facility.
Garden pea, Seed germplasm, Conservation, Gaseous storage, Viability, Vigour, Storability
