Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the storability of pre-treated sesame seeds and also evaluate its agronomic and mycological qualities after a prolonged period of storage. Two hundred grammes of sesame seeds were treated each with recommended dosages of Neem leaf powder (NLP), Dress force powder (DFP), Dry pepper powder (DPP) and untreated seeds being the control; each treatment placed in air-tight container and stored in a wooden cabinet at average ambient conditions of 26.5°C and 80% RH for a period of 18 weeks and an extended six weeks. Completely randomized design was used for the experiment, with storage time and seed treatment as factors. Samples were drawn from storage at interval of two weeks and tested for seed viability and seedling vigour. Germination percentage, plumule length, seedling vigour index, speed of germination and rate of germination were the agronomic characters evaluated during the first 18 weeks of storage. After further six weeks, the seed samples were examined by microbiological methods for mycological characteristics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out on the data collected, and treatment means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Tests (DMRT). Observations showed that NLP and DPP treatments had better seed germination in the first 18 weeks of storage compared to DFP and control. NLP also had better seedling vigour index. DFP did not adequately maintain seed germination and seedling vigour for all parameters evaluated throughout this period. Moulds were however noticed in the NLP and DPP treated samples in the further six weeks, and mycological examinations showed the presence of Mucor and Paecilomyces in both the treated and untreated seed samples. Organic-based pre-storage seed treatment could only be effective for sesame seeds for short storage period not exceeding 16-18 weeks, after which seed quality declines as a result of fungal activities. This work points to the direction that pre-treatment of sesame seeds with conventional in-organic chemicals is still the effective option for long-term seed storage.