The Effects of Oxygen Availability in the Seed Container during Storage on Seed Germination in Tomato, Onion, Cabbage, and Marrow Seeds

Abstract

This research was conducted to test the effect of oxygen content (low O2, high O2, air) during hermetic seed storage at 20±2°C over 8 and 12 months on seed germination and seedling root and shoot length in tomato, onion, cabbage, and marrow seeds. Samples with low oxygen storage had higher seed germination as well as longer root and shoot lengths than both control and high oxygen storage. When the storage period extended from eight to 12 months, the germination percentages also reduced. However, these results varied among the species. The greatest advantage of low oxygen storage was obtained in tomatoes, which exhibited 15% and 9% higher germination compared to the control after eight and 12 months of storage, respectively. The longest root and shoot lengths of 6.4 cm and 11.6 cm, respectively, were obtained from the low oxygen storage treatments. A similar positive effect of low oxygen storage was observed in onion and cabbage seeds but not in marrows. Results indicated that oxygen level in the packets during storage can be an effective component to maintain high seed germination and seedling growth potential (seed vigour). The difference in the effect on different species is a matter of further research.