Effect of Storage Treatments on Physiological and Anatomical Changes in Desiccation Sensitive Curry Leaf, Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel Seeds

Curry leaf, Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel is mainly propagated through seeds, which have poor storage potential due to recalcitrant in nature. The present study evaluated the suitable storage method for prolonging the viability of the seed. The results showed that the shelf life of curry leaf seed was extended upto 40 days by storing in 300 gauge polythene bags at 10°C. However, the seeds stored under environmental condition maintained the viability upto 10 days only. Also, the seeds stored along with moist media have not better way for extending the shelf life when compared with seed stored at 10°C. The maximum seedling vigour and least electrical conductivity and free sugars were found in the seeds stored at 10°C. Seed chlorophyll, total phenols, protein and α-amylase activity were reduced during seed storage and the reduction was lower when the seeds were stored at 10°C. The damage in cell structures was also found in the desiccated seeds that the results showed that the curry leaf seeds can be stored upto 40 days in 300 gauge polythene bag at 10°C.