Effect of seed storage on seed viability, germinability and morphological characteristics of karonda (Carissa carandas) seedlings

The experiment was conducted to study the influence of period of seed storage on germination and morphological characteristics of karonda and comprised of seven treatments viz., zero days of extraction, 10 days of extraction, 20 days of extraction, 30 days of extraction, 40 days of extraction, 50 days of extraction and 60 days of extraction and replicated thrice. The results indicated that seeds sown at zero days of extraction recorded maximum germination percentage followed by seeds sown after 10 days of extraction. Also minimum days taken for initiation of germination, maximum shoot length, root length, number of roots and vigour index parameters were recorded in same treatment (T1) followed by 10 days after extraction (T2). The increase in period of storage after extraction of seed from fruit resulted in loss of viability and vigour parameters and after 60 days of extraction (T7) only 20.33 % germination was recorded. However, seeds sown after 10 days of extraction (T2) maintained good vigour than other treatments therefore karonda seeds could be stored at ambient condition for 10 days after extraction without much variation in growth parameters.