Effects of dry heat on germination and storability of Luffa cylindrica

ObjectiveThe present experiment was aimed to determine the effects of dry heat treatment on germination and storability of smooth luffa seeds in order to improve their storability and germination rates.MethodThe seeds of 4 luffa varieties,viz.,CTS-02,CTS-03,CTS-04 and CTS-05 were treated with dry heat(60,70 and 80℃)for 30,60 and 90 min and its effect on seed storability and germination was observed.ResultThe highest germination rates in CTS-02 and CTS-04 treated with 60℃ for 30 min were recorded as 26 and 44%.The seeds of variety CTS-03 and CTS-05 responded markedly when treated with 80℃ for 60 min,as showed by 96.5 and 91.00% increase in germination,respectively.These seeds did not show any significant reduction in ability to germinate after six months storage at 15 and 32℃.The results showed that dry heat treatment improved germination performance of luffa seeds,however the effects of dry heat treatment differed in different varieties.In addition,the effects of dry heat on germination of smooth luffa seeds lasts for more than 6 months.ConclusionDry heat treatment improves the germination of luffa seeds,however,genotypic differences are significant.The positive effects of dry heat treatments on germination could last for over six months.