Effects Of Storage Period And Temperature Upon Seed And Seedling Traits Of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium Perenne L.)

A research of seed storage period and storage temperature effects upon the seed quality and seedlings traits for the seeds of two perennial ryegrass cultivars (Bartwingo and Calibra) was conducted. Seeds were stored in hermetically sealed glass dishes at four different temperatures (room temperature about 21 degrees C, 10 degrees C, -20 degrees C and -80 degrees C) and for three different periods (9, 18 and 30 months). Upon completing the storage treatments the seed and seedling traits were tested by the rolled filter paper method.The research has revealed significant effects of storage temperature, storage period, cultivar and interactions upon all the investigated traits. The highest germination energy, germination and seedling plumule length were observed after the shortest (9-month) storage period, and the least after the longest (30-month) storage period. Seedling radicule was longest after 18-month storage period and shortest after 30 months. All the investigated traits had the highest values when seeds were stored at -80 degrees C, and the least when the seeds were stored at room temperature. Cultivar Bartwingo has shown a greater germination energy and germination but Calibra has shown a greater seedling radicule and plumule length.