PJB-2025-1516
Hermetic storage maintains seed quality and minimizes the seed vigor losses in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Muhammad Usman, Nazim Hussain and Irfan Afzal
Abstract
A uniform and vigorous stand establishment is essential for profitable cotton production. Poor-quality seed and postharvest cotton storage losses play a major role in crop stand failure. Hermetic storage uses sealed, airtight units to control moisture and restrict gas exchanges, maintaining initial moisture levels and controlling pests by limiting oxygen. In this study, cotton seeds with initial moisture levels of 6% and 8% were stored for six months under conventional and hermetic conditions. Conventional storage led to a rise in moisture content from 6.0% to 6.8% and from 8.0% to 8.9%, while hermetic storage showed minimal increases. Germination rates exceeded 90% after three months but declined after six months, notably in seeds with 8% initial moisture stored conventionally. Free fatty acid (FFA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased over time conventionally, whereas seeds with 6% initial moisture stored hermetically showed lower FFA (0.44% to 0.49%) and MDA (0.55 to 0.62 nmole g-1 DW) accumulation. Total soluble sugars rose slightly in seeds under hermetic conditions at 6% initial moisture and displayed improved vigor (75.10% to 77.30%) and quicker germination compared to conventionally stored seeds. After six months, cotton seeds with 8% initial moisture in conventional storage exhibited higher electrical conductivity (EC), whereas seeds with 6% initial moisture stored hermetically showed minimal EC changes. Hermetic technology has resulted in minimizing quality losses by reducing metabolic activities. It is safe, pesticide-free, and a sustainable storage technology suitable for seeds, particularly in hot, humid climates. It can ensure food security by limiting insect and fungi infestation and reducing quantity and quality degradation in stored cotton
To Cite this article:
Usman, M., N. Hussain and I. Afzal. 2025. Hermetic storage maintains seed quality and minimizes the seed vigor losses in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Pak. J. Bot., 57(2): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-2(24)
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