Effect of relative humidity on seed deterioration of Sorghum vulgare Pers.

The seed samples were stored at different humidities in percentage of 65, 75, 85 and 95 for the study. With advance of storage period, the percentage incidence of molds increased in all the levels of humidities. Storage at higher levels of relative humidity (85% and 95%) showed more total molds counts as compared to lower levels of relative humidity (65% and 75%). The spectrum of storage fungi showed that aspergilli were most dominant followed by Alternaria, Fusarium, Penicillium and Curvularia sp. The rate of increase and total number of aspergilli seemed to be influenced by high relative humidity levels of 85% and 95% and the seeds were visible moldy. Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium semitactum and Penicillium citrinum were dominant fungi invading stored seeds of Sorghum vulgare. Alternaria alternata, Curvularia lunata and Fusarium semitectum were prevalent on seeds stored at 65% and 75% RH and in control conditions but at 85% and 95% RH levels Several field fungi including Alternaria alternata, Curvularia lunata, Myrothecium verrucaria declined as the storage time of Sorghum vulgare seeds extended. The storage fungi attained dominance with increasing storage time at higher humidity levels. Germinability was better retained by seeds with low moisture than those with more moisture and higher relative humidity. After 9 months, the seeds kept at room temperature at different levels of RH lost their germinability. Some germination was recorded in seeds kept at RH 85%. After 12 months of storage, germination was lost in all cases particularly at 85–95% RH.