Influence of packaging material and storage duration on viability of hybrid maize seeds

Abstract:

What determines the shelf life of hybrid maize seeds under tropical storage conditions? This research examined how four packaging materials cloth bag, polythene bag, aluminium foil pouch, and vacuum-sealed pack affected the viability of hybrid maize seeds (cv. SAMMAZ-27) over a 12-month storage period. The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomised design with three replications at the Seed Technology Laboratory, Savannah Agricultural University, Zaria, Kaduna State during 2022-2023. Seeds were evaluated at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for germination percentage, seedling vigour index, moisture content, electrical conductivity, and tetrazolium viability. Vacuum-sealed packaging maintained the highest germination (83.2%) after 12 months, followed by aluminium foil (79.6%), polythene bag (71.8%), and cloth bag (57.3%). Vigour index declined least in vacuum packs (reduction of 34.7%) compared to cloth bags (56.8%). Electrical conductivity of seed leachate rose sharply in cloth-stored seeds, pointing to greater membrane damage. Moisture content stayed below 10% in vacuum and aluminium treatments but exceeded 12% in cloth bags by the ninth month. These outcomes confirm that moisture-barrier packaging slows seed deterioration and extends viability well beyond the minimum certification standard of 70% germination.