How do Different Storage Conditions Affect the Seed Longevity? Empirical Evidence from Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Seeds of Variety MI 2 in Sri Lanka

Some farmers in Sri Lanka have often experienced poor field performances of chilli seeds even when the germination percentage of these seeds under the laboratory condition fulfills the certification standards. In the present study, chilli seeds (Var. MI 2) packed in triple laminated aluminum foils were used to determine the effect of different storage conditions on seed quality parameters over a period of two years. Four storage conditions tested were; constant low temperature (17±1 °C, with 60-65% RH), ambient conditions at Gannoruwa, Kundasale, and Mahailuppallama. Survival of seeds of variety MI 2 under constant low temperature, and under ambient conditions at all three locations decreased over 24 months period of storage. Seeds at low temperature successfully maintained germination and moisture content within the seed certification standards throughout the storage period. Germination and field emergence declined gradually under ambient conditions where the fastest decline in germination and field emergence were noted in the seeds stored in Gannoruwa and in Mahailuppallama. The moisture content did not vary significantly over the two year period under the ambient environmental storage conditions. Number of seeds infected with Aspergillus, Rhizopus, saprophytic mycelium and Penicillium were significantly affected by storage time, storage condition and their interaction. With these findings, it can be recommended that the seeds of chilli variety MI 2 with good initial germination (86%), field emergence (80%) and seed moisture (8.0%), packed in triple laminated aluminum retail packets, could be stored safely for 2 years under the low temperature storage condition while in the ambient condition at Gannoruwa, Kundasale, and, Mahailuppallama for 12, 15 and 6 months, respectively.