Effect of Accelerated Ageing on Seeds of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Seeds of two cultivars (Pusa chetki and Japanese white) of radish were subjected to the accelerated ageing at 40°C and 100% RH for various time intervals (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 days). Accelerated ageing resulted in progressive loss of seed viability and vigour in both cultivars. A marked genotypic difference of seeds on ageing treatment had been recorded. Among two cultivars, seeds of Pusa chetki have been found to be more sensitive to ageing compared to those of Japanese white. Seeds of both cultivars had an initial cent percent germination which declined gradually to no germination after 9 days of ageing. In addition to seed germination, various other physiological parameters were recorded to assess the effect of ageing. Ageing led to decline in seed vigour in both cases. Sensitivity of seeds of Pusa chetki to ageing treatment had been substantiated by the Electrical Conductance (EC) of seed leachet, which elicited more increased value in this cultivar, compared to the other one (3.9 fold increase over a 2.5 fold increase in latter). Likewise, moisture content of seeds of Pusa chetki increased 4.2 fold against 3.8 fold in Japanese white, over the original moisture content in 10 days aged seeds. Total protein content declined in both cases following ageing treatments.