Improving storability of Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. seeds

Abstract

The viability of Bambusa arundinacea seeds in relation to collection, drying methods and storage temperatures was studied. Bamboo seeds need to be collected immediately before rains set in as seeds lose viability rapidly on exposure to excess moisture. Storage of wet seeds also poses problems. Desiccator drying of seeds was found to retain viability while sun drying proved detrimental. Moisture content of seeds could be reduced to as low as 1.90% for effective storage. Seeds with initial moisture content of 9.6% were stored in plastic containers at five different temperatures: –15°C, –5°C, 5°C, 10°C and ambient (28–30°C). Rapid loss in viability of the seeds stored under ambient conditions occurred within 6 months, while in other storage conditions deterioration was gradual, reaching 6% germination after 18 months.