Longevity of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) seed the effect of storage containers

The viability of neem seed with high moisture content get impaired within a short duration of transport if not packed in proper containers. An experiment was therefore set up to study the, effect of storage containers on the seed longevity. Seed with original moisture content (me) was stored at 5, 15, 25, 35 degreesC and ambient room temperature (RT) in perforated cardboard and airtight plastic containers. The results indicate that seed stored well in perforated containers as compared to airtight containers. The data quantified in terms of deterioration rate (d(-1)) and half viability period (p(50) in days) shows that seed in perforated containers had slower rate of deterioration and took maximum number of days to reach half viability period (78 days) than airtight container (22 days). Keeping seed at 5 degreesC in perforated containers had deleterious effect on their viability. The seed spread in a monolayer on a table maintained viability for longer period (263 days) than seeds in ambient conditions. The result indicates that seed maintain highest viability in perforated containers at around 25 degreesC.