INTERVARIETAL VARIABILITY FOR SEED LONGEVITY IN PEA (PISUM SATlVUM)

Abstract

Variability for seed longevity among10 pea varieties was studied under accelerated ageing conditions of 80% relative humidity and 40 ± l°C temperature. Germination and seedling vigour decreased in all the varieties with increase in duration of storage. However, varieties differed in th~ degree of germination decline even when stored under similar conditions and duration. On the basis of LDso of germination, the varieties JP 888, T 163, Pant P 9 and EC 33866 were categorized as good storers; Rachna, Hans, PG 3 and KFPD 8 as moderate storers; and HFP4 and Pusa 10 as poor storers. Seed size was not correlated with its viability in storage, however, seed size within a genotype was found to affect longevity only in some varieties. Seed longevity is genotypically controlled.