Seed conservation for preservation of genetic variability in Salvia splendens

Salvia is an important ornamental plant, grown in flower beds or as border plant in gardens. Its bright coloured flowers are attractive and bloom over a long period. These are primarily raised throagh the seeds. Seed contains valuable genetic material and form a major component of genetic conservation owing to simpler handling, inexpen-sive means of storage and genetically stables on long-term conservation. Salvia seeds are small and remain viable for a shorter period under ambient conditions. Seeds of Cv. Flare with 8.0 percent moisture were packed in moisture pervious, semi pervious and impervious containers and stored at low and sub-zero temperatures for 10 years. None of seeds germinated after a year's storage under ambient conditions. About 70 percent of seeds germinated when stored at 5 and-20°C after 5 years. Further, it was reduced to 22 and 66 percent respectively after 10 years of storage. Seed vigour was also preserved with the storage. Further, seedlings did not exhibit any variations for morpho-logical characters. It is advantageous to store dry seeds in laminated aluminium foil pouches at -20°C for effective conservation of seed germplasm