Effect of specific gravity separation on seed germination and biochemical potential of castor hybrid YRCH1

An attempt was made to study the effect of specific gravity separation on seed germination and biochemical potential of castor hybrid YRCH 1 at AEC & RI, TNAU, Kumulur. The seeds were graded in a specific gravity separator viz., vertical height (cm), horizontal height (cm) and air blow rate (m3/hr) adjustments of 1, 0 and 7 respectively at 450 rpm. The seeds were upgraded into five grades viz; first to fifth designated as A, B, C, D, and E respectively (first grade represents low weight seeds and fifth grade represents high weight seeds). After grading, the seeds were subjected to for the following parameters viz; seed recovery percentage, 100 seed weight, seed filling percentage, germination percentage, speed of germination, seedling length (cm), dry matter production (g/10 seedlings), vigour index, field emergence per cent and bio chemical properties. The results revealed that higher germination per cent was recorded in the E grade (92 per cent) than A, B, C and D grades as well as F-ungraded bulk seeds. The estimation of storage reserves revealed that the variation existed among the grades separated by the specific gravity separator. The E grade seeds recorded higher protein, oil and carbohydrate contents, which was substantiated the higher germination, vigour and field emergence recorded by this grade of seeds.