Role of seed-Zn content on seed longevity of pigeonpea genotypes

Fifteen pigeonpea genotypes were selected to establish the role of seed-Zn content in maintaining seed longevity of pigeonpea genotypes. The present study revealed clear genotypic variability with respect to storability among different pigeonpea genotypes. The genotype with highest seed-Zn content (30.81 ppm) proved as good storer by recording highest seed quality parameters viz., seed germination (84.57 %), seedling length (27.67 cm), seedling vigour index (1303), speed of germination (23.29 %), dehydrogenase enzyme activity (0.551 OD value), a-amylase activity (28.46 mm) with lowest electrical conductivity (1.04 µS/cm) and moisture content (7.29 %) at the end of twelve months of storage period. Whereas, genotypes with low seed-Zn content showed lowest seed quality parameters.