Effect of storage temperatures on vigour and viability of Cenchrus ciliaris seeds

The present study was conducted at GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India during 2006–2008 to evaluate vigour and viability of Cenchrus ciliaris L. seeds as affected by storage at two different temperature conditions. C. ciliaris seeds harvested in 2005 at CAZRI were stored under 20±2°C and -15±2°C temperature conditions for the period of three years. The initial moisture content, average length of seedling, fresh weight of seedling and germination percentage of the seed sample was recorded annually for two years and tri-monthly for the third year. Results revealed that during the third year the germination percentage and seedling vigour index of the seeds was lower as compared to seeds stored at room temperature. Thus over the period viability and vigour of Cenchrus ciliaris seeds declined considerably at room temperature as compared to storage at low temperature.