Storage Conditions Deteriorate Cotton and Wheat Seeds Quality: An Assessment of Farmers’ Awareness in Pakistan

Abstract

Seed quality is accessed by appropriate seed germination, seed moisture contents, insect/pathogen infestations and seed vigor. Seed storage conditions are essential to protect from deterioration. In this study, knowledge and practices of wheat and cotton seeds storage were accessed among commercial seed growers (CSGs) and non-commercial seeds growers (NCSGs) in the Vehari District of Pakistan, while samples of stored wheat and cotton seeds were also collected to assess the quality of stored seeds. Stored seeds in the study area were contaminated by a variety of fungi, with infestation percentages reaching 13% for wheat and 20.7% for cotton in seeds from NCSGs, compared to 9% (wheat) and 9.5% (cotton) in seeds from CSGs. The majority of seed growers (75.0%) did not have any training on seed storage. The growers (60.9%) were unaware that seed should not be stored in closed polythene bags and most (62.2%) were not well aware about seed-borne crop diseases. Most growers did not maintain the temperature and humidity of storage rooms (82.7%) and did not calculate the seed rate before sowing after seed germination tests (87.2%). However, seed dressing with fungicides was implemented by most farmers (69.9%). Controlling the temperature of the seed storage was significantly influenced by growers’ age, while controlling the humidity of the seed storage was significantly influenced by growers’ farming experience. Seed dressing with fungicides was positively associated with the graduation level of growers, while checking seed maturity was positively associated with the higher education (Master’s level) of growers. There was a lack of active information centers in the study areas and a lack of agricultural information provision to farmers. Awareness regarding bad-quality seeds should be initiated to increase growers’ knowledge. Training programs for providing adequate knowledge to growers and skills in seed storage should be organized. Legislation regarding the seed business and seed storage protective measures should be enforced to minimize problems by a seed-borne inoculum and deterioration of seed quality.

Effect of long-term storage on viability of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) seeds

“…The seeds of this species have an orthodox character, with the presence of physiological dormancy in their seeds, leading to germination asynchrony, mainly demonstrated when the seeds are freshly harvested, but the seeds may have their dormancy suppressed during storage. The quality of the seeds will depend on the period in which the seeds will be stored, which can interfere with their germination, and this will depend on several factors such as temperature conditions, relative humidity of the environment in which these seeds are stored and the time they will remain in a storage environment (Saeed et al, 2020). Adequate storage is one of the determining factors for the production of high quality seeds; even if the storage period does not improve its quality, it prolongs the maintenance time of the seeds.…”

Local Knowledge of Cipatat Kolot on the Climate Adaptation: Seed, Organic Fertilizer, and Harvest Processing

“…Local people have not distributed to leuit when the seed still contains the high rate of the liquid. The low moisture of seed impact to the maintenance of the seed from the physicological and biochemical reaction which affects to deterioration of the seed (Saeed et al, 2020).…”

Cotton production trends in Pakistan: An integrative review

“…Forrester (2009) arbitrated that Pakistan lacks in professional seed industry, which is a mammoth factor hindering the production of cotton in Pakistan. Saeed et al (2020) described that majority of seed growers in Pakistan didn't receive any formal training and vast majority didn't have the information regarding the safe storage and handling of the seed. While use substandard quality seed, not only the germination is influenced, but the cost of the production was also increased.…”

“…Financial limitations, exertion in accessing the credit, access to extension advisory services and inadequate level of formal education were factors suppressing the cotton yield (Wei et al, 2020). Saeed et al (2020) found that farmers had lack of information regarding agricultural inputs (Hassan et al, 2021) and their use hindered farmers to prepare quality seed for the cotton crop. Number of research studies such as Makhdum (2011), Watto andMugera (2015) and Zulfiqar and Thapa (2016) have reported that majority of the farming masses in Pakistan are still practicing traditional agriculture.…”