Fresh onion seeds desiccated to 6.0% seed moisture content (SMC) were stored in various packaging materials under different storage
conditions. Seeds packed in aluminum-laminated pouches beside those stored with silica gel at 25 8C maintained satisfactory germinability and
vigour after 12 months. Desiccated seeds stored in moisture impervious containers produced more vigourous seedlings. Germination potential of
onion seeds increased with reduced SMC besides storage in moisture impervious packets along with desiccants as physiological and biochemical
attributes are regulated. Seed viability and vigour decreased with accelerated ageing due to increased lipid peroxidation, decreased activities of
several free radical and peroxide scavenging enzymes. Electrical conductance of seed leachates also increased with ageing. Thus, adoption of
appropriate storage temperature and moisture control techniques would significantly affect onion seed quality, which was due to minimum
accumulation of free peroxide radicals and enhanced activity of free radical scavenging enzymes.