<div>Background: Pulses are very crucial to meet the requirements of dietary proteins in the human diet especially for the predominantly vegetarian population in India. Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are important pulses grown in India. The seeds of these crops are highly vulnerable to various microorganisms, both in the field and during storage, which play an important role in reducing the seed viability, germination and vigour causing considerable loss in yield and quality. There is no suitable recommendation available to maintain seed quality during storage of pulses, hence present study was undertaken.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Seeds of pigeonpea and chickpea were treated with Captan and Carbendazim 50% WP fungicides @ 2.0 g/Kg of seed and stored under ambient condition. The samples were drawn at three months interval to assess the effect of storage on seed quality parameters. The vigour index I, seed germination and speed of germination of these seed samples were determined using ISTA rules. The detection of seed mycoflora in pigeonpea and chickpea seed samples was carried out by the blotter test as recommended by the International Seed Testing Association.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Total sixteen fungal species were recorded on stored seeds. Maximum incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus (19.83%), A. flavus (14.88%), A. niger (12.40%), Alternaria alternata (11.57%), Fusarium oxysporum (8.26%), Rhizopus stolonifer (7.44%) and Penicillium notatum (5.79%) were recorded on untreated seed of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 after 18 months of storage. The per cent germination, speed of germination and vigour index of the stored seeds decreased with the increase in the storage period whereas the total number of fungi increased with the storage period, irrespective of treatments. Among the tested cultivars, germination in pigeonpea (cv. P. 991) remained above IMSCS (&gt;75%) upto 18 months of storage under ambient storage condition. However, the germination of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 seed could be maintained above IMSCS (&gt;75%) up to 12 months only. In chickpea (local cultivar) seed, the germination remained above IMSCS (&gt;85%) up to 9 months only under ambient storage, however seed treatment with either Captan or Carbendazim could prolong the longevity upto 12 months of storage.</div>

Studies on Seed Longevity of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Ambient Storage Condition

<div>Background: Chickpea is an important pulse crop. The area, production and productivity of Kabuli chickpea are very low as compared to Desi type chickpea. While, worldwide chickpea production is predominated by Desi type (80%) compared to Kabuli type (20%). One of constraints limiting the Kabuli chickpea seed production is the fast seed deterioration process as, they possesses thin and fragile seed coat which makes it more susceptible to infestation of pulse beetle and storage fungi. In addition, the day by day increase in usage of chemical pesticides and increase in health awareness among the people and demand towards organic based products necessitate a new alternative method of seed storage than the routinely used storage methods. Modified atmosphere storage is an alternative method to avoid chemical fumigants, which are said to cause residual effect on seed material and development of resistance by storage pest against insecticides. 
 
Methods: The present investigation on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was carried out at the Department of Processing and Food Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur during March 2017. Further, its storage and seed quality assessment were conducted at Seed Quality and Research Laboratory of National Seed Project (Crops), Seed Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during March 2017 to May 2018. 
 
Result: The results revealed that the Kabuli chickpea seeds stored in the gaseous atmosphere with the combination of CO2 (80%) + N2&nbsp;(20%) + O2 (0%) [C2] have maintained the maximum germination (92%) followed by Vaccum Packaging [C5] by using 700 gauge polyethylene bag for 14 months under ambient conditions above the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards.</div>

​Effect of Modified Atmosphere Storage Conditions on Seed Quality and Longevity of Kabuli Chickpea Varieties

<div style="text-align:justify">The moisture content of grains, oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration in storage environment affects the storage life of food grains. The moisture content affects on storability of food grains severely, hence the storage structures must be provided with sufficient protection from moisture exchange between grain and atmosphere. The insect and pests grows very fast in presence of oxygen and moisture in the storage environment. The humid climate provides favorable conditions to moulds and insects to grow in most of the food grains and oilseeds. The grains exposed to these favorable environment further not useful for human consumptions. Many harmful chemicals like aflatoxins are formed in oilseeds and cereals. The emerging hermatic storage is highly effective technology to prevent the spoilage of grains without use of any harmful fumigants and chemicals, hence it is popularly known as organic storage technology. In this technology the flow of oxygen and water from external environment is fully controlled by impermeable, triple layer hermatic plastic bags.</div>

Hermetic Storage Technology for Food Grains: New Beginning of Organic and Safe Storage for Farmers and Consumers: A Review

Background: Seed deterioration is an unavoidable process during seed storage resulting in declined germination and vigour of the seeds and the seeds have different storage potential under different storage condition. Maintenance of germination and vigour requires new alternative method of storage conditions viz., packaging material and temperature conditions. Storage potential of groundnut seeds cv. VRI 8 and the changes associated with the seeds stored under different storage conditions were investigated in this study. 
 
Methods: The efficiency of modified atmospheric storage with different combination of CO2, N2 and O2 and vacuum packaging under different storage temperature (25&deg;C, 5&deg;C and -5&deg;C) for maintaining the storage behaviour of seeds up to 8 months were evaluated and the gas mixture was checked in gas analyzer at regular intervals.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The seeds stored under modified atmospheric storage (MAS) condition with a gas mixture of 0% CO2, 100% N2 and 0% O2 at -5&deg;C temperature condition, maintained germination and seed vigour above 70% with a minimum increase in seed moisture content even after 8 months of storage and even when these seeds kept under ambient condition also maintained germination above 70% after 8 months of storage while the seeds stored under ambient condition registered less germination of below 70% by 6 months of storage itself. Down-regulation of antioxidant defence system viz., catalase and peroxidase activity and the minimum accumulation of malondialdehyde and H202 content in the embryo indicated the less oxidative damage in the seeds stored under MAS compared to ambient condition. Thus, the study highlighted that the seeds have better storage potential under modified atmospheric storage condition with low atmospheric temperature through maintaining the seed quality by reducing their metabolic activity and storing these seeds under ambient condition could be a cost-effective method.

Storage Behaviour of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Seeds under Different Storage Condition

<div>Background: Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important leguminous crop utilized as vegetable and pulse, being an important source of proteins. Pea seeds harbour various mycoflora both in field and during storage, which plays important role in reducing seed viability, germination and vigour inflicting considerable losses in yield and quality. There is scarcely any recommendation available to maintain seed quality during storage of pea seeds, hence present study was carried out. 
 
Methods: Seeds of pea (cvs. Azad P. 1 and Arkel) were treated with Captan and Carbendazim 50%WP fungicides @ 2.0 g/Kg seed and stored under ambient conditions. The samples were drawn at three months interval to assess the effect of storage on seed quality parameters. The vigour index I, per cent germination and speed of germination of these seed samples were determined using ISTA rules. The detection of associated mycoflora in pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed samples was carried out by standard blotter method as recommended by International Seed Testing Association. 
 
Result: Total fourteen fungal species were found associated with different pea seed samples. Out of these, maximum incidence of Alternaria alternata (21.36%) followed by Aspergillus flavus (15.53%), A. fumigatus (14.56%), A. niger (11.60%) and Rhizopus stolonifer (9.71%), were recorded on untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1, after 18 months of storage. The germination, speed of germination and vigour index of stored seed reduced with increase in storage period, whereas fungal incidence increased with the increasing storage period. Among the tested cultivars, germination in pea (cv. Arkel) remained above IMSCS even after 18 months of storage under ambient storage conditions. The maximum percent germination (99.0) was found in pea cv. Azad P. 1 seeds treated with Captan at 3 months of storage, whereas minimum percent germination (49.5) was found in untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1 after 18 months of storage. The maximum speed of germination (23.88) was found in Captan treated seed of pea cv. Arkel at 0 month of storage and minimum speed of germination (3.52) was found in untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1 at 18 months of storage. The maximum vigour index I (2339) was found in pea cv. Azad P. 1 (Captan treated seed) at 3 months of storage and minimum vigour index I (431) was found in untreated seed of pea cv. Azad P. 1 after 18 months of storage.</div>

​Effect of Seed Treatments and Storage Period on Seed Health Parameters of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) under Ambient Storage Conditions

<div>Background: Oilseeds are very sensitive to the adverse environmental conditions. The oil inside the seeds will get oxidized easily and deteriorate the seed health during storage. Diverse environmental conditions such as temperature, pests and diseases, seed oil and moisture content, mechanical damages, storage time and relative humidity of store may affect the viability of seeds. Therefore, the present study aimed to study the effect of pre-storage seed treatments on the storage potential in soybean seed. 
 
Methods: The study was carried out during rabi 2020-21 and onwards at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. The seeds of two soybean varieties (V1: GJS 3 and V2: JS 335) treated with different pre storage dry dressing seed treatments (S1: Control (untreated seed), S2: Boric acid powder @ 5 g/kg seed, S3: Neem kernel powder @ 5 g/kg seed, S4: Wood ash @ 5 g/kg seed and S5: Calcium hypochlorite @ 5 g/kg seed) were stored after packing in three containers (C1: Aluminium foil bag, C2: Non-wooven cloth bag and C3: Air tight plastic containers). The seeds were&nbsp; evaluated for seed quality parameters viz., seed moisture content (%), germination percentage (%), seedling length (cm), seedling dry weight (mg), seedling vigour index &ndash; I and seedling vigour index - II &nbsp;up to eight month of storage at interval of two month after storage following Completely Randomized Design (Factorial) repeated three times. 
 
Results: Germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index I and seedling vigour index II were decreased with increased in storage period, while seed moisture content was increased with increased in storage period, thus was concluded that the quality of seed degraded in storage condition. In the storage condition, seeds of JS 335 treated with wood ash @ 5 g/kg seed and packed in air tight plastic container recorded the maximum germination percentage and was statistically at par with seeds of JS 335 treated with wood ash @ 5 g/kg seed and packed in aluminium foil bag. Seeds of JS 335 treated with wood ash @ 5 g/kg seed and packed in aluminium foil bag recorded the maximum seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index I and seedling vigour index II.</div>

Effect of Pre-storage Seed Treatments on the Storage Potential in Soybean Seed [Glycine max (L.) Merill]

<div>Background: Minimally processed ready-to-eat pomegranate arils have become popular due to their convenience, high value, unique sensory characteristics and health benefits. The main objective of this key research is to understand the effect of packaging materials and the quality profile of pomegranate arils (Bhagwa) storage at 5-7&deg;C, 85-90% RH till 18 days was tested. 
 
Methods: Minimally processed arils at three-day intervals throughout storage, the antioxidant and phytochemical characteristics were assessed. There has been a variable change in the ascorbic acid concentration level, phenolic, antioxidant and anthocyanin content due to the packaging material with minimum processed arils in sensory analysis.&nbsp; 
 
Result: When the pomegranate Arils packed in breathable film indicated high retention of phenols antioxidants, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid and total than arils packed in LDPE or PP. Breathable film shown better quality attributes for minimally processed arils over an 18-day storage period as compared to other packaging materials.</div>

Storage and Packaging Material Effects on Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Arils Quality Attributes during Storage

<div style="text-align: justify;">The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of negative pressure applied before storage on the quality and fertilization ability of boar semen. Boar semen samples were collected and pooled, and diluted with Modena solution containing 0.4% (w/v) of bovine serum albumin. Negative pressure was applied for 2&ndash;5 min using a vacuum pump with a barometer. The pressure applied were 0 (Control), -0.02 MPa (P200), -0.04 MPa (P400), and -0.08 MPa (P800). The sperm motility, acrosome integrity and sperm fertilizing ability were evaluated. Application of &ndash;0.04 MPa improved the sperm motility, acrosome integrity and fertilizing ability, compared with the other groups. The sperm motility and acrosome integrity decreased with increasing storage time in vitro. After 5 days, the sperm motility and acrosome integrity of the P400 group were all higher than those of the other groups (P &lt; 0.05). The cleavage rate (64.5% &plusmn; 2.4%) and blastocyst development rate (33.9% &plusmn; 2.8%) for semen stored for 7 days were similar to those of fresh semen. In conclusion, application of &ndash;0.04 MPa before liquid storage at 17&deg;C can improve the quality and fertilization ability of boar semen.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effects of negative pressure applied before storage (liquid storage, 17&deg;C) on boar semen quality and fertilization ability</div>

The effects of gamma radiation (control, 0.25kGy, 0.50kGy, 0.75kGy, 1.00kGy) and dip treatment of liquid paraffin wax (12%) on the physico-chemical quality of freshly harvested dried water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxburg), packed in glass jar, tin container and low density polyethylene (250 gauge), and the radiation sensitivity of lesser grain borer in gamma radiated samples was analyzed by inoculation of 15 lesser grain borer pest during a period of 6 months at room temperature. The data on the basis of physical properties revealed that weight loss, damage per cent and number of lesser grain borer was found to be 8.93-14.46, 6-24.5 percent and 2-18 borers. The chemical composition ranged from viz; moisture (9.40-10.10), protein (8.82-8.87), fat (0.90-1.00), carbohydrate (76.83-76.87), total ash (3.15-4.03). The effect of gamma radiation and liquid paraffin wax coating on total sugar, reducing sugar, &nbsp;phenol and acidity, and ascorbic acid were from 5.83-5.88, 1.84-1.87, 0.14-0.16, 0.11-0.12 &nbsp;per cent and 41.66-50.00mg/100g respectively. Statistical analysis reveals significant difference in physical parameters (weight loss and damage percent) however in case of chemical composition, throughout the storage period a marginal changes was observed in 0, 3 and 6 months. Irradiation had no appreciable effect on chemical parameters. The treatment combination W4R4 (12% liquid paraffin wax and 1.00kGy) stored in tin container was found to be the best and can extend shelf life up to 6 month without losing the quality of stored water chestnut.

Physicochemical changes in GRAS coated and gamma radiated water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxburg) during ambient storage in&nbsp;different storage structures

<div>Background: Soybean, an important oilseed crop of India, is rich in protein, oil, vitamins, isoflavones and minerals. Being an oilseed crop and the inherent physiological and biochemical properties, soybean seeds looses itsviability andvigour rapidly during storage, resultinginto poor stand establishment and productivity, upon subsequent planting. The current study aimed to understand the mechanism of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes in soybean seed longevity. 
 
Methods: Ten good storer and ten poor storer, identified after storing for 8 months in ambient laboratory condition, were phenotyped biochemically to understand the mechanism of antioxidants [tocopherols (4 isomers) and isoflavones (12 isomers)] and antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), peroxidise (POX), superoxidedismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR)] in seed longevity.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Good and poor storer genotypes recorded a mean initial germination of 99 and 96%, decreased to 91 and 67%, respectively upon eight months of laboratory ambient storage. Significant differences were observed in the activities of SOD, CAT, GR, alpha (&alpha;-T) and delta (&delta;-T) tocopherol between good and poor storer genotypes. Isomers of tocopherols ie. &alpha;-T and &delta;-T were found to beeither negatively (r= -0.55) or positively (r= 0.60) associated with seed longevity, indicated the role of individual tocopherol isomer than those to total tocopherols in seed longevity.</div>

Studies on Seed Longevity of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Ambient Storage Condition

Effect of Modified Atmosphere Storage Conditions on Seed Quality and Longevity of Kabuli Chickpea Varieties

Hermetic Storage Technology for Food Grains: New Beginning of Organic and Safe Storage for Farmers and Consumers: A Review

Storage Behaviour of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Seeds under Different Storage Condition

Effect of Seed Treatments and Storage Period on Seed Health Parameters of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) under Ambient Storage Conditions

Effect of Pre-storage Seed Treatments on the Storage Potential in Soybean Seed [Glycine max (L.) Merill]

Storage and Packaging Material Effects on Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Arils Quality Attributes during Storage

Effects of negative pressure applied before storage (liquid storage, 17°C) on boar semen quality and fertilization ability

Physicochemical changes in GRAS coated and gamma radiated water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxburg) during ambient storage in different storage structures

Tocopherols and Antioxidants Assay to Understand the Mechanism of Soybean Seed Longevity