Temperature, vacuum packaging and priming effects on germination and storability of new breed sweet corn (Zea mays var. GSH11005Y) seed

The increasing demand for sweet corn has highlighted the need for improved seed production, but challenges such as low germination rates and poor storability have hindered large-scale cultivation. To address these, three studies were conducted to explore factors affecting seed quality and longevity. In the first study, GSH11005Y sweet corn seeds were harvested at five maturity stages (29, 32, 35, 38, and 41 days after pollination, DAP) and dried at temperatures of 35°C, 40°C, and 45°C. Seeds harvested at 29–35 DAP showed the best seed vigour, with drying at 40°C yielding the highest seedling performance and maintaining seed viability (>90%). Drying at 45°C led to seed damage, indicated by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced seedling vigour. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), varied by maturity stage and drying temperature, with 40°C drying enhancing POD activity. The second study examined the effects of packaging type (full vacuum, partial vacuum, airtight sealed) and storage temperature (16°C and 26±3°C) on seed longevity. Vacuum packaging at 16°C effectively maintained seed viability, with germination percentages remaining above 80% after one year, while seeds stored at 26±3°C in vacuum packaging saw a significant decline in viability (22–26%). POD activity was higher in seeds stored at 16°C, indicating better seed health under these conditions. The third study investigated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) priming on aged seeds, using concentrations ranging from 1 mM to 20 mM for 24 hours. Priming with 10 mM H2O2 resulted in a significant increase in seed viability (72%) and germination speed, while higher concentrations (above 15 mM) showed no additional benefits. Reduced MDA levels and lower electrical conductivity of seed leachate further confirmed the improvement in seed quality. Collectively, the studies suggest that sweet corn seeds harvested at 29 DAP are suitable for immediate use, while 35 DAP is recommended for storage. Drying at 40°C optimizes seed quality and storability by reducing moisture content and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. Vacuum packaging at 16°C provides the best conditions for long-term storage, while priming with 10 mM H2O2 effectively rejuvenates aged seeds, improving germination, vigour, and seedling establishment.

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