Effects of seed packaging, storage conditions, and durations on seed quality of open-pollinated maize ( Zea mays L.) varieties in Ethiopia

ObjectiveThis study investigates the combined effects of storage environments and packaging materials on the seed quality of open-pollinated maize (Zea mays L.) (OPM) varieties intended for planting purposes after long-term storage.MethodsMelkassa-2, Melkassa-4, and Melkassa-6Q seeds were stored under cold and ambient storage conditions. Subsequently, the seeds were packed into Polypropylene woven bags and multilayer polyethylene lined hermetic (Super GrainPro (SGPr) and Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS)) bags and stored for 24 months. The combined analysis was done using a completely randomized design (CRD) with factorial arrangement replicated three times. The temperature of the refrigerator for cold storage was maintained at 5 ±3 °C with a relative humidity of 42 ±3%. In 2021, the annual mean temperature of ambient conditions ranged from 14.27 to 28.57 °C with relative humidity (RH) between 47% and 75%. In 2022, the annual mean temperature ranged from 13.97 to 29.51 °C with RH between 40.10% and 70.13%. The evaluation was conducted at Melkassa Agricultural Research Center. Seed quality traits were measured every 6 months for 24 months.ResultsThe study found significant interaction (P≤0.05) effects between storage environment, maize variety, and seed packaging material on seed germination after 18 and 24 months of storage. Hermetic bags under cold storage maintained seed quality for up to 24 months, while non-hermetic bag under ambient storage preserved seeds for up to 12 months. Non-hermetic storage bags led to a decline in seed quality after 12 months.ConclusionsHermetic bags (PICS) combined with cold storage can prolong the shelf life of EGS for open-pollinated maize varieties for up to 24 months. However, SGPr and PPW bags stored under the same conditions showed significant deterioration after 12 months. This approach can help improve seed quality and longevity, leading to accessibility for breeding programs, EGS producers, and smallholder farmers.