Seed Germination and Physiology
Open access
Peer reviewed
Abstract
Abstract
Postharvest seed deterioration remains a critical challenge in the maize seed value chain, particularly where ambient storage and low-cost packaging are commonly practised. This study investigated paper and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) bags as storage packages under ambient conditions in Morogoro and Mbeya regions for the period of six months, with bimonthly evaluation. A Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used with a three-factor arrangement adopted under triplicate using a certified seed of UH 6303 Maize varieties. Seed quality parameters in terms of 100-seed weight, moisture content, seed germination percentage, seedling vigour traits (leaf, shoot, and root length), and fungal infection incidence were collected following International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules. Results revealed that hundred-seed weight remained statistically unchanged across treatments, while moisture content increased significantly (p < 0.05), particularly in paper-packaged seeds stored in Morogoro. Germination percentage declined progressively with time, with a sharper reduction under the warmer and more humid conditions of Morogoro. Seedling vigour traits decreased markedly beyond two months of storage, indicating metabolic deterioration. These declines in germination and seedling vigour were associated with moisture-driven acceleration of respiratory metabolism, membrane destabilisation, and enzymatic degradation under warm and humid storage conditions. Although fungal infection increased over time, incidences remained below 4%, with slower progression in HDPE bags and under cooler conditions in Mbeya. The correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between germination and vigour traits, and negative associations between moisture or fungal incidence and seedling growth. Overall, storage duration and environment were stronger determinants of deterioration than packaging alone. These findings underscore the importance of moisture-proof packaging and limiting ambient storage to less than four months to maintain maize seed viability and vigour.
Direct answer
What can I do from this paper page?
Use this page to scan "Influence of Storage Packaging Materials, Conditions, and Duration on Maize (Zea mays L.) Seed Quality Over Time" quickly: start with the summary and abstract, then check the authors, source, topics, and related papers. From here, open Scollr to follow Seed Germination and Physiology research, save the paper, or map adjacent work.
Research areas
Follow related topics
Citation
BibTeX
@article{Mlagha2026Influence,
title = {Influence of Storage Packaging Materials, Conditions, and Duration on Maize (Zea mays L.) Seed Quality Over Time},
author = {Ally Leonard Mlagha and Paul Mbogo Kusolwa and Nuru Nassoro Kipato},
journal = {East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.37284/eajab.9.2.5340},
url = {https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.9.2.5340}
}FAQ
Using this paper in a discovery workflow
How do I find related work for this paper?
Use the related papers and topic links on this page as starting points. In Scollr, you can also open the paper and build a literature map around its references, citing papers, and related work.
How can I keep up with new Seed Germination and Physiology research papers?
Follow Seed Germination and Physiology research in Scollr. New papers from the topic flow into a personalized feed, and you can save useful studies to revisit later.
Can I cite this paper from this page?
This page includes a static BibTeX block for Influence of Storage Packaging Materials, Conditions, and Duration on Maize (Zea mays L.) Seed Quality Over Time. Always verify the DOI, source, and publication details against the publisher record before submitting a manuscript.
Follow this research in Scollr
Follow the topics and authors behind this paper, save useful studies, and build a literature map when you are ready to go deeper.
Get the app