Drying of Maize and Amaranth Seeds using Zeolite Beads: Effect on Seed Germination and Vigour

Sun drying of seeds is not predictable. Therefore, farmers need to have affordable and dependable seed-drying techniques. This study, therefore, evaluated the storability of maize and amaranth seeds using zeolite beads, and assessed the effects of zeolite beads on the properties (moisture content, germinability, viability, and vigor) of seeds using standard techniques. The maize seeds without desiccants gained moisture at ۴ and ۶ months of storage, whereas maize seeds with desiccants had a drop in moisture. The MC of amaranth seeds stored without desiccants significantly increased while the MC of amaranth seeds with desiccants significantly reduced. Maize and amaranth seeds with/without zeolite beads had similar seedling growth rate patterns. The weight of maize and amaranth seeds varied with relative humidity. The drying agents substantially reduced the moisture content of maize and amaranth seeds without adversely affecting seed germination and vigor. Therefore, farmers can opt for the use of zeolite beads for seed drying.

کلیدواژه ها:

Amaranth seed ، Germination ، maize seed ، moisture sorption isotherm ، seedling growth rate ، zeolite beads