Seed evaluation after cryopreservation in onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars

Onion seeds though orthodox in nature have short shelf life. Low temperature storage has been strongly recommended for the long term storage of such seeds, Cryopreservation (−180°C, vapour phase of liquid nitrogen) has proved useful in a number of orthodox seeds, These seeds could be successfully stored under cryopreservation because decline in seed germination and seedling vigour due to storage at RT can be almost completely controlled, Membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation studies were used to assess the metabolic changes accompanying seed storage, Lipid peroxidation was found to be closely associated with the decline in germination and vigour characteristics but this correlation could not be established with membrane integrity.