International Journal of Agricultural

Science and Research (IJASR)

ISSN(P): 2250-0057; ISSN(E): 2321-0087
Vol. 6, Issue 2, Apr 2016, 159-164
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EFFECT OF METHODS OF STORAGE ON SEED

VIABILITY OF TEA IN DARJEELING, INDIA
MRITYUNJAY CHOUBEY1, I.D. SINGH2, MAHIPAL SINGH3 & B.BERA4
1

Senior Scientific Officer, Farm Management Division, Darjeeling Tea Research &
Development Centre, Tea Board, Kurseong, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

2
3

Senior Scientist-cum-Advisor, Tea Board and Tea Research Association, West Bengal, India

Project Director, Darjeeling Tea Research & Development Centre, Tea Board, Kurseong, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
4

Director Research, Tea Board of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 14 BTM Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT
Viability and longevity of seeds depend on the inherent characteristics of species, development stage, dehydration rate
and the conditions under which they are stored. Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) seeds are considered of recalcitrant performance,
because they are highly hydrated and they cannot withstand intensive desiccation. The objective of this study was to measure
the effect of packing type and storage period on tea seed germination in Darjeeling. The moisture content of freshly harvested

paper lined wooden box, respectively. It was observed that with reduction in moisture content there was reduction in the
germination percentage in all the treatments. A high initial moisture content and proper manipulation of these environmental
factors for prevention of moisture loss from seed will ensure longer viability of the seeds. Results revealed that the maintenance
of seed viability from 97 to 49% may be achieved up to eight months when stored in wet sand under darkness in Darjeeling.
KEYWORDS: Darjeeling, Germination, Moisture Content, Seed, Storage, Tea, Viability

Received: Dec 12, 2015; Accepted: Mar 01, 2016; Published: Mar 05, 2015; Paper Id.: IJASRAPR201621

INTRODUCTION
Viability and longevity of seeds depend on the inherent characteristics of species, development stage,
dehydration rate and the conditions under which they are stored. Tompsett (1992) reported an association between plant
ecology and seed storage behavior. The most important factors that influence storage are temperature, moisture, seed
characteristics, geographical location and storage structure (Govender, Aveling and Kritzinger, 2007).
Darjeeling produces the worlds most aromatic variety of tea, for which it is so highly priced and ranked among
other tea producer worldwide. Despite the availability of a number of good clones for vegetative propagation, the tea
industry is still dependent on seeds for replanting and crop improvement (Barua, 1989). Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) seeds
are considered of recalcitrant performance, because they are highly hydrated and they cannot withstand intensive
desiccation. The terms recalcitrant were introduced by Roberts (1973) to describe the storage behavior of seeds. While, a
recent study shows that no generalization on seed storage behavior is possible for species in which seeds at maturity or
shedding have moisture content between 25 and 55% (Hong, T.D. and R.H. Ellis, 1996). Tea seeds storage ranging from
nine months to six years has been reported with more than 70% viability at the end of these storage periods by several
researchers (Bhattacharya., 2002, Tanaka et al., 2002, Habib et al., 1992, Katsuo et al., 1970, Leach, 1936). An easy and

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Original Article

seeds varied between 68 to 75 %. The highest and lowest germination was attained in seeds stored in wet sand and multiwall

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Mrityunjay Choubey, I.D. Singh, Mahipal Singh & B. Bera

cost- effective seed storage method with minimum desiccation under ambient condition will prove beneficial. Keeping
these facts into consideration, the present experiment was therefore, designed to examine the effect of packing type and
storage period on tea seed germination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The seeds were collected from seed bari (orchard) of Darjeeling Tea Research & Development Centre, Kurseong
(Darjeeling), situated at latitude 2655N, longitude 8812E, altitude 1240 meters above mean sea level. Experiment was
conducted during November 2014 to June 2015. The temperature range of this area varies from minimum of 8.38-19.30C to
maximum of 15.45-24.640C (Fig.3). The total annual rainfall varies between 1763.00 to 1844.20 mm, of which 80% fall
during May to September. The average relative humidity of the area varies between 68.00 to 96.00 %. The annual mean
sunshine hours as recorded varied from 2.30 to 6.00 hours in a day during the period of this study. All cracked and
immature seeds were discarded and packaged in eight samples of seed for storage in each packaging type including wet
sand, polyethylene lined jute bag and multiwall paper lined wooden box (Fig.1). After sampling all the packaging types
were stored in darkness for eight months. One sample was collected from each packaging type every month to assess the
recalcitrant nature. Fresh weight determination of samples was made without delay. Samples were analyzed at monthly
interval for moisture content and put to germination. Dry weight was estimated after drying the seeds initially for 24 hours
at 1050C and thereafter to a constant weight. The moisture content of seed was expressed as a proportion of dry weight. The
germination test was conducted in sand medium using 100 seeds in a germination room. The data were analyzed with
statistical software.

Figure 1: Tea Seed Storage Methods: Wet Sand, Polyethylene Lined

Jute Bag and Multiwall Paper Lined Wooden Box

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The percent seed germination was high before seed storage and ranged between 95 to 97%. Upon storage, there
was a gradual loss in the germination percentage in all the treatments (Fig.4). The seed germination varied significantly in
different storage duration. The maximum was observed when stored in wet sand ( 97,95.91,83,76,69,52 and 49%) at all
periods (Fig.6) compared to polythene lined jute bag ( 97, 89,82,64,59,42,31 and 18%). This was followed by multiwall
paper lined wooden box (97, 67, 61, 39,26,18,12 and 07%). The rate of decline in moisture content for seeds stored in
multiwall paper lined wooden box and polythene lined jute bag was very rapid. Seeds stored in multiwall paper lined
wooden box attained a moisture content of 11% and in polythene lined jute bag of 23% after eight months of storage and it
was relatively high in seeds stored in wet sand (51%) (Fig.5). It was observed that seeds stored in wet sands were very
effective in conserving the moisture content of seed. The significant difference occurred after eight months of seed storage
among wet sand, polyethylene lined jute bag and multiwall paper lined wooden box which may probably be due to the
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NAAS Rating: 3.53

Effect of Methods of Storage on Seed Viability of Tea in Darjeeling, India

161

difference in storage conditions and variation in seeds moisture content (Fig.2). The similar trends were also observed in
the studies of Sebastiapillai and Anandappa., 1979, Sivapalan et al, 1986. Thus, method of tea seeds storage can minimize
the risk due to environmental effects listed on seed moisture content, it is expected that the viability of seed is preserved for
a longer period (Chen et al., 2012).

Figure 2: Changes in Moisture % during Different Storage Condition

Vertical Bars represents Standard Errors of the Means

Figure 3: Temperature during the Period of Study

Figure 4: Change is Seed Germination % Storage Vertical Bars

Represents Standard Errors of the Means
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162

Mrityunjay Choubey, I.D. Singh, Mahipal Singh & B. Bera

Figure 5: Interaction between Storage Type and Duration for Tea Seed Moisture %
Vertical Bars represents Standard Errors of the Means

Figure 6: Interaction between Storage Type and Duration for Tea Seed Germination %
Vertical Bars Represents Standard Errors of the Means

CONCLUSIONS
The environmental factors in storage period had indirect effect on tea seed germination percentage through seed
moisture content. The low germination percentage of tea seeds is due to the rapid loss in moisture content from seeds under
storage atmosphere. A high initial moisture content and proper manipulation of these environmental factors for prevention
of moisture loss from seed will ensure longevity of the seeds. The moisture content in different types of packing materials
varied from 11-51%. It was concluded that 49% maintenance of seed viability up to eight months in tea seeds could be
achieved when stored in wet sand under darkness to wait the best season for sowing in Darjeeling.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are thankful to the Chairman, Tea Board of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their
financial and moral support during the course of study.
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Impact Factor (JCC): 4.7987

NAAS Rating: 3.53

Effect of Methods of Storage on Seed Viability of Tea in Darjeeling, India

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