Effect of Varying Storage Temperatures, Packaging Materials and Genotype differences on Kenaf Seed Viability and Longevity

Abstract

Storage of kenaf seeds at different temperatures significantly affects their viability and physicochemical properties. Partitioning the effects of varying storage temperatures on kenaf seeds is important for maintaining seed quality and ensuring successful cultivation. The study was conducted in the Seed Laboratory of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Fumesua, to evaluate germination of five kenaf genotypes (EB11, EN11, HN11, PN11, TN11) stored in hermetic glass containers, polybag and raw base over six months under varying temperatures (-10°C, 5°C and 25°C). The study demonstrated that temperature remains the primary determinant of kenaf seed preservation, with ambient condition (25°C) emerging as clearly optimal for maintaining viability for medium term raw storage.  Although genotype differences were observed particularly in the superior heat tolerant genotypes EB11, EN11, PN11 and HN11, some factors remain secondary. Cold storage (-10°C) in combination with glass or polybag does not promote kenaf seed longevity (0-20% germination) across kenaf genotypes, specifically TN11 and EB11. Likewise, a low temperature of 5°C is slightly unfavourable for a medium term (6 months) glass and nonpackaged storage. However, nonpackaged storage at 25°C proved effective for medium term storage (6 months) evident in four kenaf genotypes (EB11, EN11, PN11 and HN11) with high germination rates of above 70% for all.