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ABSTRACT
Edible seeds of agroforestry species may be unavailable in sufficient quantity for tree planting projects and so there is need for storage. The germination response of Plukenetia conophora seeds to moisture content, method and duration of storage was investigated in the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management Nursery. Three storage methods were used namely; Air-tight jerry can, jute bag and open basket. Moisture content over time under the storage regimes was investigated for 11 weeks while the storage aspect was monitored for 10 weeks. The experimental layout used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The data was statistically analyzed at 5% level of probability using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Data was analyzed using two way ANOVA at 5% level of significance. Fresh seeds had 66.67% germination. After first week of storage, this valued decreased to 40% for air-tight jerry can, remained same for jute bag at 66.67% and increased to 80% for open basket. The air-tight jerry can reduced to 6.67% in 3 weeks after which there was no further germination. Seeds in jute bag and open basket continued germination throughout the duration of storage. There was statistical difference between storage method and duration in germination values. The moisture content of freshly extracted seeds was 48.06% and air-tight jerry can maintained steady values were between 38.72 - 35.26%; the values for the jute bag and open basket dropped from 43.85% and 38.55% to 30.09 and 32.41% respectively within 10 weeks. It is recommended that seeds of Plukenetia conophora should be stored in an open basket for the purpose of planting. Jute bag can also be used. The air-tight jerry can should not be used as it encourages fungal growth and subsequently seed deterioration due to its very recalcitrant nature. Further research is needed in getting appropriate storage devices for large scale storage of seeds for this important crop.
