Identification of Packaging Materials to Preserve Seed Germination and Moisture Content in Lentil until Commercial Storage [Lens culinaris Medikus]

This study identifies the seed germination and seed moisture content in various varieties of lentil crop. It also assesses the effect of different packaging materials on lentil varieties. For this, it constituted two lentil varieties (i.e. VL-Masoor126 and PL-8) which were packed in steel container, earthen pot, gunny, and cotton and paper bags. Seed germination and moisture of this crop was evaluated after 3, 6 and 9 months. The results implied that lentil variety, packaging material and storage interval have significant effect on seed germination, moisture, root and shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weight. The maximum germination and minimum increment in moisture were found more in steel container up to 9 months storage as compared to seeds stored in earthen pot and gunny, cotton and paper bags. It emphasizes that steel container would be a best packaging material to preserve the germination rate of VL-Masoor126 up to commercial storage.