Effect of Different Packaging Types on the Physiological Quality of Orthodox Seeds During Storage

Abstract

High-quality seeds are required to support successful crop establishment; however, seed quality may decline during storage. Therefore, efforts are needed to extend seed storability through the use of packaging materials that can maintain seed viability and vigor. This study aimed to identify the best type of packaging for maintaining the physiological quality of orthodox seeds after storage. The research was conducted at the Agronomy Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, West Java, from February to June 2023. The experiment employed an experimental method using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four treatments with four replications, resulting in 16 experimental units. Each replication consisted of 55 seeds. The treatments evaluated were control (A), glass bottles with aluminum foil caps (B), zip-lock plastic bags (C), and paper packaging (D). Seeds were stored in each type of packaging for eight weeks under open-room conditions. After storage, germination tests were conducted using the Rolled Paper Towel Method stood upright in plastic (UKDdP), with observations on germination percentage, vigor index, germination rate, and uniformity of germination. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and significant differences among treatments were further tested using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% significance level. The results showed that differences in packaging types had a significant effect on the physiological quality of orthodox seeds during storage. The glass bottle with an aluminum foil cap produced the best results, with a germination percentage of 96.72%, vigor index of 88.84%, uniformity of germination of 96.97%, and a germination rate of 6.75% per etmal.