Packaging material effect on seed germination and vigour of two rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar under storage condition

A factorial experiment was run based on a completely randomized design with 4 replications under storage condition of Mazandaran province. The experiment was included of two seed rice cultivars (first factor) and four types of packaging material (second factor): 1.Three layer paper bag, 2. Four layer paper bag, 3. Propylene paper bag, 4. Propylene bag. Rice seed of both cultivars were packed separately using four packaging materials and stored for five months. Seed germination percentage, coefficient of germination rate, mean germination time, seedling length and weight vigor index were studied using seed standard germination test and cold test. Results showed that in both rice seeds (Shirudi and Fajr cultivars), the higher quality of rice seed (seed germination and seed vigor) was seen in propylene paper bags in both testes. But the Fajr cultivar tolerated storage condition better than Shirudi cultivar. Four layer paper bags severely reduced viability, vigour and some other characteristics of seeds in both tests. It was found that rice seed storage in propylene paper bags could maintain rice seed quality during storage period.