Seedling emergence of onion seeds stored in a desiccator
consisting silica gel at 25 8C was 65% after 21 months with a
mean germination of 78% during 0–21 months of the storage
study (Table 1). In other storage conditions, poor germinability
(below 65%) was observed by 12 months and the number of
normal seedlings observed after 21 months was 5%, 21% and
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.