Seed Storage Studies in China Aster (Callistephus chinensis L.)

China aster is an important seed propagated annual flower crop. The non-availability of quality seeds is one of the major problems in cultivation of this crop. The seeds of China aster are known to lose viability rapidly in storage leading to poor emergence in the field. Hence, study was conducted to know the effect of seed moisture, packing material and storage temperature on seed viability and vigour in China aster cv. Kamini. The study revealed that China aster seeds lose viability quickly if stored under ambient conditions. At the end of 18^th month, seeds stored at 15°C still maintained high viability (57%) and vigour, irrespective of packing material and seed moisture levels. However, in case of ambient storage very drastic reduction in germination (6%) and vigour were noticed in all packing materials at all seed moisture levels. We conclude that for better storage the seeds should be stored at 15°C with 30% R.H.