STUDIES ON SEED VIGOUR DETERIORATION IN PEA (Pisum sativum L.)

Seed vigour evaluation was conducted on ten pea accessions to study their level of deterioration at varying temperature and time durations. The accessions were subjected to different temperature (30°C and 45°C) and storage durations (48 hours and 72 hours) during accelerated ageing. Observations were recorded for seed vigour in terms of germination percentage, germination index, vigour index I, vigour index II and electrolyte leakage. Germination percentage and vigor index was greatly affected after subjecting to large durations of time at high temperature. The higher temperature (45°C) after 72 hours induced more electrolyte leakage from the some accessions. The results revealed that vigour level of seed deteriorates after storage at high temperature. Significant varietal differences were observed in accessions in terms of their inherent capacities to withstand higher temperature treatments both after 48 hours and 72 hours. The rate of seed deterioration was faster in some accessions as compared to other.