Desiccant drying prior to hermetic storage extends viability and reduces bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) infestation of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) seeds

Seeds of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) are subject to loss viability due aging and damage from pulse beetles (or bruchids; Callosobruchus spp.) infestation during storage. We investigated whether seed drying using desiccants hermetic packaging would prevent or ameliorate these consequences Sun-dried seeds at a moisture content 10% were subjected further for 72 h five different desiccants: Drying Beads® (a zeolite-based desiccant), silica gel, sodium aluminum silicate, activated alumina, cow-dung ash traditional desiccant). subsequently stored in plastic containers the presence under ambient conditions along with sun-dried cloth bags containers. In addition, parallel samples each treatment inoculated one pair bruchid (C. chinensis L.) same conditions. The treatments did not affect initial quality (germination percentage seedling vigor) significantly. After storage 9 months temperatures, dried Beads, silicate alumina had higher germination percentages, vigor indices soil emergence, lower electrical conductivity (leakage upon imbibition) fungal compared other bruchids effective less damage, oviposition, insect respiratory activity maintained after six controls. results demonstrate superior ability quickly safely dry prior benefits such preventing deterioration