Influence of packaging material and storage time on seed germination and chromosome biology of inbred line of maize (Zea mays L.)

This present study was elucidated the cytological effects of maize due to ageing (storage) in different packaging material. This study revealed that the cytological anomalies in somatic cells of maize inbreds (CM-138 and CM-142) due to storage in jute and plastic bags. For the cytological impact of storage, inbreds were stored in jute and plastic bags for different periods i.e. 4, 8 and 12 months under ambient and control conditions of Allahabad. Observations showed that inbreds stored in plastic bags of eight and twelve months ageing treatments displayed more mitotic anomalies in comparison to four month aged seeds of jute bags. The major chromosomal anomalies included stickiness of chromosomes, fragments, laggards, disturbed prophase etc. The frequencies of anomalies were higher in the twelve months aged seeds of plastic bags as compared to jute bags. In both the packaging materials, seedling parameters were also found more affected in plastic bags as compared to jute bags in both the inbred lines of maize. Germination and vigour percentage decreased with the period of ageing. Inbred are stored in plastic bags were affected due to storage but the effects were more pronounced in the plastic bags as compared to jute bags.