Author : Surat Nuglor

Summary : The study was conducted to determine the effect of propyl gallate, a lipid antioxidant, and silica gel, a desiccant, on soybean seeds under different storage conditions. The different storage conditions employed were open storage, sealed tin can, sealed plastic bag, and sealed plastic bag placed in sealed tin can. In a given storage condition, there were three treatments, namely; propyl gallate, propyl gallate with silica gel, and control. Seed mositure content, germination percentage, and seed vigor were evaluated every month for six months. Free fatty acid content was determined at the third and sixth months of storage. Seeds stored in tin cans, plastic bags placed in tin cans containing silica gel, and the control placed in sealed tin cans showed lower seed moisture content. However, it showed higher seed vigor and germinability compared to the other storage treatments. On the other hand, soybean seeds treated with propyl gallate had no protective effect on seed deterioration. This was due to the toxicity of propyl gallate. The concentration used (40 mM = 0.08 percent) is beyond the optimum level for maintaining soybean seed quality. Total free fatty acid declined in all treatments except in the open storage system with propyl gallate after six months of storage. It is advisable to reduce seed moisture content as low as possible prior to the storage of soybean seeds with silica gel in impermeable, compact, and close containers to prevent the loss of seed viability and to ensure high percentage of seed germination in the succeeding growing seasons.