35% under ambient, in desiccator at ambient and at 25 8C conditions, respectively. Ability to emerge into vigourous seedlings was greater in seeds stored in a desiccator containing silica gel at 25 8C as compared to that of other treatments. Similarly, the seedling vigour gradually reduced with storage. However, the loss of vigour was significantly high in the seeds stored under ambient conditions, whereas the decline in vigour was relatively steady under 25 8C. Data showed a significant relationship between storage conditions and storage period on seed germinability and vigour, independently and in combination.
Dried seeds packed in moisture impervious laminated pouches maintained around 70% germination up to 12 months of storage, which is also comparable with that of black polythene pouches (Table 2). Except the cotton cloth bags, more than 60% germination was recorded in seeds stored in different packaging materials up to 12 months of storage. Onion