Effect of packaging materials and storage environment on fennel seedling growth

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of the packaging material (cotton cloth bag, multifolium paper and glass container) and storage environment (laboratory and cold chamber conditions) on fennel seedling growth. Seeds were placed in different packaging materials and exposed to the two environments for twelve months. Assessments were made before storage and at every two months and the following were determined: total emergence, emergence speed index, seedling fresh and dry matter. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with four replications in a 2 x 3 x 6+1 factorial design in split split plots, where the plot was the storage environment (laboratory and cold chamber conditions); the split plot was the storage (cotton cloth bag, multifolium paper and glass container) and the split plot was the storage periods (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months) and plus an additional treatment (before storage). The results showed that the fennel seedlings had superior growth when their seeds were placed in the glass packaging material, regardless of the storage environment.

Keywords

• Foeniculum vulgare.
• Seeds.
• Deterioration.
• Storage.