Positional and seed ageing effects on seed quality of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) grown in Western Kenya

Abstract

Cotton seed is one of the most sensitive agronomic seeds where significant deterioration occurs after a short period of storage. This study was conducted to determine the effects of boll position and storage period on seed quality of cotton seed. Cotton variety KSA 81 M was planted at Busia ATC and bolls harvested from the Basal, Middle and Top branches for storage and subsequent seed quality tests. Germination of seeds from all the three plant positions declined with storage period while electrical conductivity and mean germination time increased. Germination percentage of seeds from the basal stems dropped below the middle and top branches after six months despite having a higher initial percentage. On the other hand, electrical conductivity and mean germination time of seeds from the basal branches showed a significant increase after six months compared to the middle and top branches. Results suggest that the quality of cotton seeds collected from the basal branches is high compared to the middle and top branches. However, when subjected to storage, the seeds showed higher deteriorative changes in comparison to the seeds obtained from the middle and top branches. This might be related to duration of seed development and the increased solute leakage following imbibition which is usually accompanied by inevitable exit of materials necessary for germination and normal seedling growth.