Genotypic Variation in Physiological Quality of Stored Cotton Seed

Seeds of five cotton genotypes viz., CB-8, BC-0236, SR-08, BC-0125 and BC-0252 were assessed to observe the effect of packing materials on physiological quality of cotton seed stored under ambient condition. The packaging materials were hermetically sealed polythene bag (thickness 8 μ) and cloth bag. Physiological quality of cotton seeds was assessed in the laboratory of Seed Science and Technology Unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh during May, 2009 to July, 2010. Results revealed that better physiological quality of cotton seeds was achieved by storing in hermetically sealed polythene bag instead of cloth bag. Moisture content of cotton seed increased rapidly in cloth bag upto 4 months. Afterwards, it decreased up to 10 months and then again increased slightly depending upon relative humidity of ambient condition. Contrary, moisture in seed of polythene bag remained more or less stable throughout the storage period. Excellent germinability (>80%) was observed in seeds of polythene bag as compare to cloth bag even after 14 months of storage. Considering genotypes, significant genotypic variation was found in all physiological traits of stored cotton seed. The genotype BC-0252 maintained the highest storability as it showed highest germination (83%) and vigour index (3167) with the lowest (6.47%) loss of seed weight at the end of storage. The genotype BC-0252 therefore, could be useful in future breeding program for cotton improvement consistent with better seed quality.