Influence of Rod-Shaped Millet (<i>Panicum virgatum</i> L.) Seeds Storage Conditions on its Quality

Abstract

Partial replacement of traditional types of fuel, which in the world and in Ukraine is possible with the use of biomass of plant origin. A perennial cereal plant called switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is promising for the production of biofuel, the seeds of which are characterized by a high biological dormancy, which leads to a significant decrease in its germination. Therefore, it is urgent to conduct a study to reduce this state of dormancy, which will ensure an increase in seed germination and contribute to the widespread introduction of the culture into production. In order to find out the effect of conditions and storage time on seed quality, a three-factor experiment was conducted in which two varieties of switchgrass of different maturity groups were stored for 364 days under different conditions that are possible when sowing seeds in the field -variable temperatures and humidity, the time of seed storage in such conditions. It has been found that the conditions of seed storage -temperature, humidity and terms, especially their complex interaction, probably affect the improvement of its quality. At a seed moisture content of 9% and 24-26% at an air temperature of 18-20 °С, during storage for 180 days, a probable increase in the energy of germination of the Cave-in-Rock variety sample by 11-20%, germination -by 13-21%, of the Dakota variety sample, respectively -by 22-19% and 24-31%.