Germination And Moisture Level Response Of Some Selected Leguminous Seeds To Various Storage Methods

Abstract

Leguminous crops such as cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), and soybean (Glycine max) play critical roles in food security, soil fertility, and economic sustainability due to their high protein content, nutritional value, and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. However, the viability of legume seeds during storage is significantly influenced by storage conditions. This study evaluated the effects of five storage using jute bags, cotton bags, plastic containers, hermetic storage, and underground storage on the germination rate and moisture level of these crops. Seeds were stored for three months under each method, and viability tests including germination rate, and moisture content were conducted. The results revealed significant differences among storage methods; Underground storage was the most effective, yielding the highest germination rates (82.67% for cowpea, 76.33% for groundnut, and 71.00% for soybean) and maintaining optimal moisture levels. Hermetic storage also performed well, with comparable germination rates and excellent moisture retention. The Hermatic storage system promoted germination across the three crops with cowpea recording the highest percentage of 82.33% followed by groundnut (72.33%) and Soybeans (63.00%). Plastic container gave 75.67% for Soybean and 65.67% for Cowpea but only 51% for groundnut. Cotton bag system of storage gave marginal germination of the three crops from 47.33% to 53.33%.  In contrast, seeds stored in jute bags exhibited the lowest germination rates (14.00% for groundnut, 49.67% for cowpea, and 42.33% for soybean) due to high moisture absorption, pest infestations, and membrane damage, as indicated by low germination rate values. The study underscores the importance of proper storage techniques in preserving seed viability and highlights underground and hermetic methods as superior options.