Physiological and biochemical changes during hermetic storage of Moringa oleifera seeds

Abstract This study was carried out to estimate the optimum conditions for moringa seed to maintain its quality during storage. Appropriate moisture contents and suitable temperature at the time of storage and reliable packaging materials may help to lower thresholds of respiration and extend the seed longevity in storage. Seeds of moringa were stored at 8, 10 and 12% seed moisture contents (SMC) in hermetic (super) and traditional (cloth) bags for six months. Highest germination (70%) and vigor were found in hermetically sealed super bag at 8% SMC after storage. Highest electrical conductivity of seed leachates and melonaldehyde contents for seed stored at 10 and 12% SMC at 10 and 25 °C in cloth bags depicted maximum deterioration and lowest values for these traits were found in super bags at 8% SMC. Oil and protein contents of seed were comparatively higher at 8 and 10% SMC at 10 °C. Seed stored in hermetically sealed super bags retained higher oil and protein contents as compared to cloth bags. Ageing induced deterioration at high seed SMC and temperature was associated with membrane damages and lipid peroxidation in seed. In conclusion, it is recommended that moringa seeds must be stored in hermetically sealed super bag at 8% SMC for preservation of seed quality. Under humid environment, seed storage in cloth bag should not be practiced as it increases equilibrium seed moisture contents, which promotes seed deterioration.