World Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Vol. 7(2), pp. 254-264, October, 2020. © www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: 2326-3997

Research Article

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and

Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean
(Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern
Ethiopia
Mekonnen G1*, Wassu M2 and Bulti T3
1,2,3School of plant science, Haramaya University, East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is produced in eastern Hararghe, both under sole crop and
intercrop systems mainly from farms save seeds. Limited information is available on the effect of
seed storage period and plant population on seed quality of the crop. Therefore, this study was
conducted at Haramaya University research field to assess the effect of duration of seed storage
at ambient condition and plant population on the seed quality of common bean. The treatments
were arranged in, factorial combination of three improved varieties (Haramaya, Dursitu and
Fadis), three storage periods (9, 33 and 45 months) and three plant populations (320000, 180000
and 115200 ha-1). The seed quality test in the laboratory was conducted to evaluate the seed
samples produced from these in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications.
The seed quality of Haramaya was exceeded by Fadis variety. All seed quality parameters except
seedling shoot length, thousand seed weight and proportion of hard seeds during germination
had positive and significant correlation with grain yield. Generally, the research findings
suggested the importance of using seeds stored for short period of time, optimum plant
population and high yielding variety to increase the seed quality of the crop in the study area.
Keywords: Seed vigor, seed storage period, plant population, and seed quality

INTRODUCTION

The common bean (Phaselous vulgarise L.) is one of the
most important legumes worldwide because of its high co
mmercial value, extensive production, consumer use and
nutrient values (Popovic et al., 2012). It is an annual crop
that belongs to the family Fabaceae and it grows best in a
warm climate at a temperature of 18 to 24 C (Teshale et
al., 2005).Furthermore, the crop is the most important food
legume and offers a low cost alternative to beef and milk
as a source of protein, iron, fibers and complex
carbohydrates (Hacisalihoglu et al., 2005; Mwale et al.,
2008). In Ethiopia common bean is the third most
produced legume next to faba bean and field pea. It is one
of the major grain legumes widely cultivated and grown as
source of protein and cash by small holder farmers in
eastern and southern Ethiopia (Fekadu, 2013). It is grown
suitably in areas with an altitude ranging between 1200 to
2200 meters above sea level with a range of 16 to 280C
temperature and a rainfall of 350 upto500 mm well
distributed over the growing season. It performs best on
deep, friable and well aerated soil with good drainage,
heigh nutrient content and PH range of 5.8 to 6.5 (MOARD,
2010). Moreover, it is used for human utilization and
export. It grows in most of the agro ecology zones of low
and mid altitude areas of the country. A market demand for
the common beans both in the domestic and export market
has become the main mechanism for the growing trends
in quantity of production (Frehiwot, 2010).
Common bean is used as one of the cheapest sources of
protein apart from being the major source of cash income
in Ethiopia. Its reasonable protein content (22%) made it
the poor man's meat securing more than 16.7 million rural
people against hidden hunger (CSA, 2014).
*Corresponding Author: Mekonnen Gebeyaw, School of
plant science, Haramaya University, East Hararghe Zone,
Ethiopia. Email: mekonnengebeyaw23@gmail.com

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Mekonnen et al. 255

It is usually consumed in the form of boiled grain, which is
locally known as Nifro (Kristin et al., 1997).
Its short growth period earlier than other crops made it an
ideal food-deficit filler crop and its suitability for double or
triple production per year enabled its production on off
season free lands and relatively cheaper labor force. In
addition to this, it plays an important role in the soil fertility
amendment practices of low input farming systems
(Legesse et al., 2006).
productivity of the crop. Attempts have been made to study
the effect of plant population on common bean varieties
seed quality in eastern Ethiopia (Matthews et al., 2008).
However, this study did not consider seeds which were
stored under ambient conditions as a factor in influencing
the seed quality common bean varieties. Moreover, the
variation among common bean varieties for tolerance to
seeds storage periods under ambient conditions has not
been studied.

Despite the common bean significant contribution to The objective of the Study
Ethiopian people food and nutrition security and income
generation, its production and productivity are low. Among To assess the effect of seed storage period in ambient
many factors that contribute to the low yield of common condition and plant population on seed quality attributes of
bean, low access to seeds of improved varieties and the common bean varieties
use of seeds stored for a longer period of time. The length
of seeds stored under ambient conditions is a critical
aspect of seed quality management. The longer seeds MATERIALAND METHODS
stored under ambient conditions, are the risks of losing the
stored beans to storage pests and other seed quality Description of the Study Area
deterioration factors. Seed storage period may affect the
viability of seeds, as the reduction in seed viability is The experiment was conducted in seed science and
directly proportional to the increase of storage duration technology laboratory of Haramaya University.
(Bortey et al., 2016). According to CRS, (2014) farmers in
Ethiopia stored their beans for 1-5 months (68%), more Experimental Material
than 5months (31%) and less than one month (1%).
The three varieties of common bean viz. Haramaya,
Though farmers who stored beans for longer periods
Dursitu and Fadis were used for the experiment. The
fetched relatively higher prices, seeds stored for different
seeds of the varieties were taken from Haramaya
time deteriorate and loss their quality attributes. In eastern
University common bean improvement project. The
Ethiopia. The farmers have different seed sources in which
description of the varieties is given in Table 1.The seeds
seeds are stored for wide range of duration. In this part of
of three varieties of common bean were harvested during
the country, lack of understanding for using timely stored
2013, 2014 and 2016, and stored for about 9, 33 and 45
and quality seed with appropriate varieties of common
months with in the same material, which is pallid sack after
bean are some of the bottle neck problems that aggravates
harvest.
for low quality and yield of the crop (Fekadu, 2007). The
effect of seed storage period, on seed quality of improved
Table1: Description of three common bean varieties
varieties of common bean is not studied.
Variety Name Pedigree Year of Yield Breeding Days to
release (ha-1) center Maturity
On the other hand, farmers do not use the recommended
1.Haramaya G-843 2006 15- HU 85-110
intra row spacing for common bean, which results variation
30
on number of plant populations. Most Ethiopian farmers, in
general, practice higher Intra row spacing (lower plant 2.Dursitu DOR- 2008 17- HU 85-100
population) than research recommendations which result 811 30
in lower grain yields (Ali et al., 2003).At the same time 3. Fadis ECAB- 2012 10- HU 80-95
practicing lower Intra row spacing (higher plant population) 0060 22
results in competition of plants for the same resource. This Source MOARD (1998): Crop Variety Register (1995-
leads to reduction of seed size and other quality related 2013), in farmer’s field
traits of seeds, because the seed yield of common bean is
the result of many plant growth processes which ultimately Treatments and Experimental Design
influence the seed quality obtained when all factors of input
for the crop growth have maximized (Tessb et al., 2004). The seed quality test was conducted incomplete
Therefore, generating information from research is randomized design with four replications. A treatments
required on effect of seeds stored under ambient consisted of factorial combinations of three storage
conditions and plant population on common bean varieties periods, three plant populations specified by (intrarow
seed quality which has paramount importance to spacing) and three common bean varieties as a result, 27
overcome the production problems and increase the treatment combinations were formed.

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
 World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 256

Table 2: Treatment combination. The seeds were kept moist with gently applied water until
Seed Storage P Plant population the germination test completed. The germination of seeds
eriod (ha-1) Variety in each flat tray filled with sand was counted every day
45 months 320000(7.5x40c Harama Dursit Fadis starting five days of sowing. The number of normal and
m) ya u abnormal seedlings was counted separately. Abnormal
180000(10 Harama Dursit Fadis seedlings are badly diseased, discolored or distorted
x40cm) ya u seedlings. In addition to that other seed quality parameters
115200(12.5x40 Harama Dursit Fadis were taken after the seed germination which was indicated
cm) ya u in the data collection section.
33 months 320000(7.5x40c Harama Dursit Fadis
m) ya u Data Collection
180000(10 Harama Dursit Fadis
x40cm) ya u Thousand seeds weight (TSW)
115200(12.5x40 Harama Dursit Fadis
Randomly taken a thousand seeds of each storage period
cm) ya u
and in each variety combination in each replication was
9 months 320000(7.5x40c Harama Dursit Fadis
weighted in gram and recorded.
m) ya u
Moisture content (MC): Ten gram of seeds from each
180000(10 Harama Dursit Fadis variety and each storage duration combination in each
x40cm) ya u replication was taken from the sample seeds, grinded
115200(12.5x40 Harama Dursit Fadis weighted poured in a small container and covered with
cm) ya u aluminum foil for pre-dry measurement. Samples were
dried in an oven adjusted a temperature of 1300c +/-0c1for
two hours. At the end of two hours, containers were placed
Experimental Procedures in desiccators for 30 minutes. After cooling, the container
Weighed with its cover and contents, and the moisture
The seeds of three common bean varieties which were content of the seeds was determined by the following
stored for about 9 to 45 months at ambient condition and formula ISTA (2014).
grown with in different plant populations were tested for M2 − M3
seed quality after harvest of the crop. The physiological Moisture content of seed (%) = x100
M2 − M1
(germination and vigor) seed quality test was conducted Where; M1 is the weight of the container; M2 is the weight
using the sample seeds which were taken from each of the container with the
storage period of each variety amounting to 1 kg as a Weight of the seed and M3 is the weight of the seed with
composite sample result from thoroughly mixed of the container after oven dried.
primarily sample. The sample seeds were taken from in
each suck of the seed lot that was stored in ambient Standard germination test (SGT)
condition in were house, and then the composite sample
divided by using a seed divider into four equal parts until Germination test was done for all seed samples obtained
250g was obtained. Each sample was sorted to four from store as initial seed samples of three varieties and di
components including (I) pure seed, (ii) other crop seeds, fferent treatment combinations from field experiments. Tw
(iii) inert mater and (IV) weed seeds. After the physical o hundred (200) seeds of the components of the pure see
seed quality test was completed, 200 pure seeds were d were divided into four replicates of fifty (50) seeds each
randomly selected from the total pure seeds obtained from , which were sown in germination sand. On the final days
the sample seeds. The seeds were treated by Mankuzeb of the standard germination test, germinated seedlings w
fungicide to remove the microorganisms and to prevent the as divided into normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings, har
growth of fungus. The sterilized seeds were divided into d, fresh and dead seeds to determine the percentage of e
four replication and each 50 seed within replication placed ach category of seedlings (ISTA, 2014).
on the double layered cotton cloth to drain the water from Germination percentage (%)
seeds. The sample seeds were used for standard Number of Normal seedlings
germination test which was conducted using sand as = x 100
Total seeds sown
substratum, the sand was sieved to discard particles
bigger than 0.8 mm and smaller than 0.05 mm in diameter Speed of germination (SP)
and for every test new sand was used. The 50 seeds of
each treatment was sown in 10 row sown a uniform layer The same procedures were used with that of germination
of moist sand in one tray and then covered to a depth of percentage, but the only difference was, the number of n
10 mm with sand as one replication, which was left loose. ormal germinated seeds daily recorded until there was no

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Mekonnen et al. 257

further germination. It was calculated by adding the ratio
of daily counts of normal seedlings divided by the number
of days of germination.
N1 + N2 + ⋯ … N
Speed of germination =
C1 C2 CF
Where: N1= number of normal seedlings at first count, N2
= number of normal seedlings at second count, NF=
number of normal seedlings at final count, C1= days to the
first count, C2= days to the second count and CF= days to
the final count.
Seed vigor test
The seedlings shoot length and root length was measured
after the final count in the standard germination test by
randomly taken ten normal seedlings from each treatment
combination from each replication. The shoot and root
length was measured from the point of attachment to the
tip of the shoot and root of the seedlings, respectively.
The average seedling shoot and root length were
determined as per ISTA (2014).
Seedling dry weight (SDW)
Ten randomly taken seedlings treatment combination
from each replication was placed in an envelope to be
dried in an oven at a temperature of 80 0C +10C for 24
hours. The dried seedlings were weighed in gram using a
sensitive balance ISTA (2014).
Vigor Index I and II
The seedling vigor index I and II were calculated according
to the formula described by Abdul-Baki and Anderson
(1973) as follows:
Seed vigor index I= GP x SL (mean shoot length and mean
of root length)
Where: GP is germination percentage and SL is seedling
length (mean of shoot length and mean of root length).
Seed vigor index II= GP x SDW (g),
Where: GP germination percentage and SDW
is the seedling dry weight.
Data Analysis
The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA
) following the standard procedure as indicated by Gomez
and Gomez (1984).The ANOVA was computed
with Genstat201616thedition. The comparison of
treatment combinations was done
following the significance of mean squares using Least
Significant Difference (LSD) at 1% and5% probability level.
RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS
Seed quality test after harvest of the crop
The seeds of three common bean varieties which were
stored for about 9 to 45 months at ambient condition and
grown with in different plant populations were tested for
seed quality after harvest of the crop. The analysis of
variance showed that the main effects of variety had
significant influence on all seed quality parameters, except
non-significant on the percentage of abnormal seedlings
and fresh ungerminated seeds. Apart from this, both the
main effects of storage period and plant population had
non-significant influence on all seed quality parameters
considered, except significant effect storage period was
observed on seed moisture content, seedling vigor index I,
germination percentage, seedling root length and dead
seeds, significant differences among plant populations
observed for thousand seed weight, seedling shoot length,
seedling vigor index I and II, dry seedlings weight and dead
seeds.
However, the three main factors (storage period x variety
x plant population) interacted to influence non-significant
differences on all seed quality parameters except
significant on seedling root length, seedling vigor index II,
fresh seedling weight and dead seeds. All possible two
main factors interactions (storage period x variety, storage
period x plant population and variety x plant population)
had non-significant difference on all seed quality
parameters except storage period x variety significant on
moisture content, thousand seed weight, seedling shoot,
germination percentage, seedling fresh and dry weight,
normal seedlings and dead seeds; storage period x plant
population significant on seed moisture content and
seedling root length; variety x plant population significant
on thousand seed weight, fresh seedling weight and dead
seeds. Most of the parameters of the seed quality test
from the newly harvested seeds of common bean varieties
were significant differences with storage period and plant
population as a factor. This showed that the varied storage
period and plant population had been affected differentially
common bean varieties. Storage period by, retarding
physiological activity of the seed, produce less vigorous,
and finally reduce their germination percentage and plant
population by influencing the establishment of optimum
canopy structure that leads to inter plant competition as a
result immature seeds. This finding was in line with during
aging of seeds under storage, chromosomal aberrations
like chromatin fragments and Point mutations occur in
various crops and it is the prominent causes of reduced
germination and other seedling characters (Kumar, 2009).

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Effect of the seed storage period, variety and plant Means in columns and rows in each interaction, followed
population on seed quality parameters by the same letter(s) are not significantly different from
each other at 5% probability level. LSD (5%) =least
Seed moisture content significant difference at P=0.05 and CV=Cofiecent of
variation.
Seeds emerged from seeds that were stored for about 33
and 45 months and at a plant population of 320000 (7.5 x Germination and speed of germination
40 cm) and 180000(10 x 40 cm) had significantly the
highest mean values of 23.17and 23.33% for seed The variety Fadis seed sample emerged from seeds which
moisture content, respectively. Seeds emerged from the stored for about 9, 33 and 45 months had significantly
variety Haramaya and Dursitu within 33 followed by 45 highest mean values of 87.83, 88.17and88.18%for
months storage duration had significantly the highest germination percentage, respectively, without significant
mean values of 24.85and24.85% seed moisture content, differences between the three mean values. The seed
respectively, in both aspects of the storage period and the samples of Dursitu emerged from seeds which stored for
variety non-significant difference was observed between about 9, 33 and 45 month shad significantly lower mean
the mean values of the seed moisture content (Table 3). values of 56.00, 56.01 and 52.33%, respectively, for
The variation of seeds moisture content is due to the germination percentage without significant differences
variation on the ability of the seed nourishment of the among mean values (Table 4).This is due to seeds of
young seedlings that able to produce good seed, improper Fadis variety large in size than seeds of Dursitu variety this
size as well as nutrient content inside and the nature of the indicate that, larger sized seeds have the ability to
variety. As seeds deteriorate, their capability to retain germinate faster than small sized seeds. Gunaga et al.
cellular constituents decreased which was attributed to cell (2011) higher and quicker germination on bigger sized
membrane disruptions associated with the loss of seeds could be due to the presence of the higher amount
membrane phospholipids, so that this seeds did not of carbohydrates and other nutrients than in medium and
sufficiently nourish the young seedlings so that the second small sized seeds because the nutrient carbohydrate
generation seed should have lower ingredient supply more energy for the seed, this leads to the seed
accumulation inside. Jyoti and Malik (2013) reported that germinate faster. Another researchers’Hojjat (2011) also
seeds which were emerged from long stored seeds have reported that large sized seeds have better germination
lower moisture content because this seeds have lower capacity or capable of germinating early than medium and
ingredient content than seeds that emerged from shorter small sized seeds in lentil genotypes.
time stored seeds since moisture content of the seed In respect of dry seedling weight the variety Fadis in 9
specified by the amount of ingredients found inside the months storage duration had significantly the highest
seed. Verma et al. (2003) reported that carbohydrates mean values of 1.41g seedling dry weight, (Table 4). This
increased with decrease in protein content in deteriorated might be due to seedlings emerged from shorter time
seeds since those seeds emerged from deteriorating stored seeds gain sufficient nourishment from the first
seeds, so that the seeds only nourish carbohydrates, As a seed so that the second generation seeds were good
result the second generation seeds have more nourishment for the seedlings that emerged from it. This
carbohydrate content than seeds emerged from less indicates that, seeds in enhancing seedling vigor and good
deteriorate seeds and retain lower moisture content. stand layson the amount of reserve content inside of the
seed and the ability to provide to the growing seedling at a
Table 3: Interaction effect of storage period x plant faster rate and sufficient manner which leads to large in
population and storage period x variety on the seed dry seedling weight (Ghassemi, 1992).
moisture content of common bean varieties
Plant population (ha-1) Seed moisture content (%) Table 4: Interaction effect of storage period and
Storage period (month) variety on germination percentage and Seedling dry
9 33 45 weight of common bean varieties
320000 (7.5 x 40 cm) 19.47c 23.17a 21.30b Germination seedling dry weight
180000(10 x 40 cm) 21.42b 21.82ab 23.33a percentage
115200 (12.5 x 40 cm) 20.68 bc 21.95ab 20.99bc Storage period Haram Dursit Fadis Haram Dursit Fadis
LSD (5%) 1.710 (month) aya u aya u
Grand mean 21.57 45 62.21c 46.35 70.03 1.083b 0.800 1.350
d a c a
Variety
Haramaya 22.24b 24.85a 23.54ab 33 68.79ab 48.46 69.65 1.017b 0.783 1.400
de bc d a c a
Dursitu 18.88 22.08 24.23a
Fadis 20.45 cd 20.00 d 17.85e 9 67.05b 48.45 69.66 0.967b 0.717 1.408
d a c a
LSD (5%) 1.710
Grand mean 21.57

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
LSD (5%) 2.46 0.083 115200 (12.5 x 0.7106b 0.7141 0.710
2 40 cm) b 6b
Grand mean 61.18 1.058 LSD (5%) 0.0142
Means in columns and rows in each seed quality 3
parameter followed by the same letter(s) are not Grand mean 0.7138
significantly different from each other at 5% probability 6
level. LSD (5%) =least significant difference at P=0.05 and Means in columns and rows followed by the same letter (s)
CV= Cofiecent of variation. are not significantly different from each other at 5%
probability level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at
The percentage of dead seeds was significantly influenced P=0.05 and CV= Cofiecent of varation.
by the three main factors, all possible two factors
interactions and the three factors interaction. Dursitu and On the other hand, the percentage of hard seeds was
Haramaya varieties produced from seeds which was significantly influenced by variety in which significantly
stored for about45 months at a plant population of difference between the three mean values of 0.74, 0.78
320000(7.5 x 40 cm) and 180000(10 x 40 cm) result in the and 0.89% observed in seed samples of Fadis, Haramaya
largest mean values of 0.76% and 0.75%, significantly and Dursitu varieties, respectively (Table 6). The variation
different from all mean values of dead seeds, but non- on the number of hard seeds might be due to the nature of
significant difference between the two mean values the variety, which might be related with physiological
(Table 5). dormancy of the seed. This means that Physiological
dormancy prevents embryo growth and seed germination
The variation of dead seeds might be due to the new until chemical changes occur for eliminating dormancy of
generation seeds that were emerged from the long stored the seed. Carlos et al. (2015) observed that common bean
seeds did not nourish the young seedlings sufficiently, seed quality parameters such as germination, emergence
because the long stored seeds are reduced in food source and seedling vigor can be controlled genetically through
as a result of deterioration. This leads to the new dormancy.
generation seeds did not contain initial nutrient for survival.
Furthermore, seeds which emerged from lower plant The seed samples of the varieties, Haramaya and Fadis
population have a chance for proper resource utilization. had higher speed of germination mean values of 7.30 and
As a result the seed built properly and contain ingredients 7.71 respectively, significantly different from the mean
that able to the seed germinate faster and grow as a values of Dursitu variety and between the two varieties of
normal plant by resisting any adverse environmental mean values (Table 6). This was due to the fact that, larger
condition, because the seed capable to nourish the young sized seeds have the ability to germinate faster than small
seedlings without scarcity of initial nutrients. sized seeds. This finding was in agreement with, higher
and quicker germination on bigger sized seeds could be
Table 5: Interaction effect of storage period, plant due to the presence of higher amount of carbohydrates
population and variety on the percentage of dead and other nutrients than in medium and small sized seeds
seeds of common bean varieties because the nutrient carbohydrate give more energy for
Storage period Treatments the seed germinate faster (Gunaga et al., 2011).
(month) Plant Harama Dursit Fadis
population (ha- ya u Seedling vigor index I was significantly influenced by
1)
storage period, variety and plant population in which
45 320000 (7.5 x 0.7176b 0.7581 0.707 significantly different seedling vigor index I mean values of
40 cm) a 1b 2021 was observed in seed samples emerged from seeds
a
180000(10 x 40 0.7510 0.7106 0.710 which stored for about 33 months. The variety Haramaya
cm) b 6b had the highest mean values of 2235 seedling vigor index
b
115200 (12.5 x 0.7106 0.7071 0.707 I, significantly different from the mean values of Fadis and
40 cm) b 1b Dursitu variety ,and within a plant population of
33 320000 (7.5 x 0.7141b 0.7071 0.710 115200(12.5x40cm) the highest mean value of seedling
40 cm) b 6b vigor index I (1974) was recorded (Table 6). This might due
180000(10 x 40 0.7140b 0.7106 0.710 to the variety Haramaya have the highest germination
cm) b 6b percentage and seedling length whereas the variety
115200 (12.5 x 0.7071b 0.7106 0.707 Dursitu have the lowest germination percentage and
40 cm) b 1b seedling length, this results seedling vigor index I variation
9 b
320000 (7.5 x 0.7210 0.7106 0.714 between the two varieties. This indicates that seedling
40 cm) b 1b vigor index I was directly related with seedling length and
b
180000(10 x 40 0.7071 0.7071 0.707 germination percentage. Gore et al. (1997) reported that
cm) b 1b higher seedling vigor index I was probably due to the
associated effect of germination Percentage and seedling
length.

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Table 6: Effect of seed storage period, variety and biotic and abiotic stress response, plant development and
plant population on speed of germination, seedling morphology (Nagel et al., 2009).
vigor index I and hard seeds of common bean
Regarding normal seedlings percentage, the seed
varieties.
samples of Fadis variety emerged from seeds which were
Storage period Speed of Vigour hard
stored for about 45 months had significantly the highest
(month) germination index I Seeds
mean values of 88.18% normal seedlings percentage. And
45 6.410 1879b 0.8046 the variety Dursitu had significantly lower mean values of
33 6.455 2021a 0.8139 52.33%within the same storage duration respectively,
9 6.576 1881b 0.8002 without significant differences among mean values in both
LSD (5%) NS 94.8 NS aspects of the other storage duration but significantly
Grand mean 6.480 0.8062 difference in the irrespective of the varieties (Table 7). The
Haramaya 7.302b 2235a 0.7841b significance variation might be due to the nature of the
Dursitu 4.429 c 1461 c 0.8992a variety. This indicates that the variety Fadis can perform
Fadis 7.709 a 2086 b 0.7354c very well and the variety Dursitu also low performance
LSD (5%) 0.2874 94.8 0.027 ability interims of normal seedlings percentage genetically.
Grand mean 6.480 0.8062
plant Table 7: Interaction effect of storage period and
population(ha-1) variety on seedling shoots length and normal
32000(7.5x40cm) 6.404 1952a 0.7973 seedlings
180000(10x40cm 6.590 1856b 0.7962 Seedling shoot Normal seedlings
) length
115200(12.5x40c 6.446 1974a 0.8252 Storage period Haram Dursit Fadis Haram Dursit Fadis
m) (month) aya u aya u
LSD (5%) NS 94.8 NS 45 17.36a 17.33 10.70 62.21c 46.35 70.0
a d d 3a
Grand mean 6.480 1927 0.8062
Means in columns in each seed quality parameter and 33 17.17a 17.01 11.52 68.79ab 48.46 69.6
a cd d 5a
main factor followed by the same letter(s) are not
significantly different from each other at 5% probability 9 16.85a 15.36 12.48 67.05b 48.45 69.6
b c d 6a
level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at P=0.05, NS
= non-significant and CV=Cofiecent of varation. LSD (5%) 1.154 2.46
Grand mean 15.09 61.18
Seedling vigor Means in columns and rows in each seed quality
parameter followed by the same letter(s) are not
The seed samples of Haramaya variety emerged from significantly different from each other at 5% probability
seeds which were stored for about 45 months had the level. LSD (5%) =least significant difference at P=0.05 and
highest mean values of 17.36cm seedling shoot length CV= Coeffiecent of variation.
significantly. Moreover, the variety Fadis had significantly
lower mean values of 10.70cm with in the same storage Seedling root length was significantly influenced by the
duration, respectively, without significant differences interaction of the three main factors. The variety Fadis
among mean values of in both aspects (Table 7). The produced from seeds which stored for about 45 followed
result of the three factors interaction might show that the by 9 months at a plant population of 180000(10 x 40 cm)
inherent characteristics of the varieties had much influence and 320000 (7.5 x 40 cm) had the highest mean values of
on their mean values of seedling shoot length apart from 14.13 and 12.44cm seedling root length, respectively,
their interaction with plant population and seed in age. The significantly different from all mean values of root length in
variation of seedling shoot length might be due to the each of the three factors interaction. Whereas seeds of the
nature of the variety, even if those are found in the same variety Dursitu emerged from seeds which stored for about
species. Plant population also have a role on seedling 9 months and a plant population of 180000 (10 x 40cm)
shoot length, which means that secondary seeds which attain the lowest mean values of (7.77cm) seedling root
emerged from the highest plant population have the length, respectively (Table 8).
highest interims of seedling stem length than lower Longer time stored seeds might have more growth
population plants this was the results of mutation of gens hormones on the young root of the plant and accumulated
for stem height at the time of resource competition which and depleted on it. This might lead to seedlings emerged
leads to inheritance of such characteristics for the from longer time stored seeds produce long root than
seedlings which have long stem length. This idea was in seedlings emerged from shorter time stored seeds, and it
agreement with the quantitative trait loci were detected for have been inherited to the second generation of seeds and
mutation and associated with genes controlling fertility, produce long root seedlings. The quantitative trait loci

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Mekonnen et al. 261

were detected for mutation and associated with genes seedling vigor and stand as a result greater seedling fresh
controlling fertility, biotic and abiotic stress response, plant weight.
development and morphology (Nagel et al., 2009).
Table 9: Interaction effect of the storage period, plant
Table 8: Interaction effect of storage period, plant po population and variety on seedling fresh weight of
pulation and variety on seedling root Length of comm common bean varieties
on bean varieties Storage period Treatments
Storage period Treatments (month) Plant Harama Dursitu Fadis
(month) Plant Harama Dursitu Fadis population (ha- ya
1)
population (ha- ya
1) 45 320000 (7.5 x 10.500b 8.625ef 8.550ef
40 cm) cd
45 320000 (7.5 x 11.44cde 10.22def 11.28cd
40 cm) gh ef 180000(10 x 40 9.850de 6.950gh 10.375
cde bcdef cm) ij bcd
180000(10 x 11.30 9.74 14.13a
f g g fg
115200 (12.5 x 10.702 7.875 10.703
40 cm)
40 cm) hij h bcd
115200 (12.5 x 8.90hij 11.34cd 12.08bc
40 cm) ef d 33 320000 (7.5 x 8.500 6.700 9.950cd
ef ab

40 cm) cd e
33 320000 (7.5 x 10.59 10.16 12.30ab
cde def

40 cm) fgh gh c 180000(10 x 40 8.075 7.950 7.500fg

fgh fg
cde efghij cm) h hi
180000(10 x 10.54 9.74 10.24def
fgh gh fgh
115200 (12.5 x 7.950 6.700 11.425hij
40 cm)
cde hij 40 cm) k abc
115200 (12.5 x 10.46 8.96 13.70ab
fgh 9 fghij
320000 (7.5 x 7.175 5.725 12.675jk
40 cm)
40 cm) a
9 320000 (7.5 x 9.42fghij 10.63cd 12.44ab
40 cm) efgh c 180000(10 x 40 8.200fg 6.150ijk 12.200
ij j cm) a
180000(10 x 8.11 7.77 11.10def
40 cm) ghi 115200 (12.5 x 7.350fghi 5.250k 11.575
ghij ghij 40 cm) ab
115200 (12.5 x 9.21 9.20 11.85bc
40 cm) d LSD (5%) 1.476
LSD (5%) 2.009 Grand mean 8.56
Grand mean 10.64 Means in columns and rows followed by the same letter (
Means in columns and rows followed by the same letter(s s) are not significantly different from each other at 5%
) are not significantly different from each other at 5% probability level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at
probability level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at P=0.05 and CV=Cofiecent of varation.
P=0.05 and CV=Cofiecent of varation.
Seedling vigor index II, The seed samples of Fadis variety
Seedling fresh weight was significantly influenced by the emerged from seeds that was stored for about 33 months
interaction of the three main factors. Fadis variety had the highest mean values of 1.37 significantly, in a plant
produced from seeds which stored for about 9 months at a population of 320000 (7.5 x 40 cm), respectively. And
plant population of 115200 (12.5 x 40 cm), 180000(10 x 40 within the variety Dursitu a seed storage duration of 45
cm) and 320000 (7.5 x 40 cm) had the highest mean months and at a plant population of 180000(10 x 40 cm)
values of 11.58, 12.20 and12.68g seedling fresh weight, had the lowest mean values of 0.33 seedling vigor index II
respectively, significantly different from all mean values of (Table 10).This might be due to The variety Fadis have the
seedling fresh weight. Whereas seeds of the variety highest germination percentage and seedling dry weight
Dursitu emerged from seeds which stored for about 9 than the variety Dursitu this able to the variety Fadis results
months and at a plant population of 115200 (12.5 x 40 cm) from the highest seedling vigor index II (Table 10).
achieve the lowest mean values of 5.25g seedling fresh Seedling vigor can be measured through germination rate,
weight, respectively(Table 9). Regarding with seedling seedling length, root length, seedling fresh weight, dry
fresh weight seedlings that was emerged from large sized seedling weight and seedling vigor (Sun et al., 2007).
seeds have good vigor and stand than seedlings that was Verma (2014) also reported that the decrease in the seed
emerged from small sized seeds because large sized vigor index II may be due to the decline in germination
seeds have more nutrient accumulation inside. This able percentage as well as a decrease in dry seedling weight.
to nourish the young seedlings sufficiently. Mohd et al.
(2004) observed that larger seed size results in good

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
 World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 262

Table 10: Interaction effect of the storage period, plant the importance of using seeds stored for short period of
population and variety on seedling vigor index II of time, optimum plant population and high yielding variety to
common bean varieties increase the seed quality of the crop in the study area. In
Storage period Treatments conclusion, it is recommended that the highest common
(month) Plant Harama Dursit Fadis
bean seed quality was observed when seeds stored for
population (ha- ya u
1) short duration (nine months) in ambient conditions
45 320000 (7.5 x 1.0305cd 0.452 1.1815 irrespective of varieties with in lower or intermediate plant
40 cm) 0h bc populations. Moreover conducting further study on the
fg
180000(10 x 40 0.7570 0.330 1.1555 effect of farmers’ saved seeds and plant population from
cm) 0h bc
both farmers’ cultivars and improved varieties on seed
g
115200 (12.5 x 0.7320 0.453 1.2090 quality of the crop is very important.
40 cm) 0h ab

33 d
320000 (7.5 x 0.9445 0.341 1.3655h

40 cm) e a
ef REFERENCES
180000(10 x 40 0.7915 0.465 1.0165
cm) g 5h cd
d Abdulbaki, A.A.andJ.D.Anderson.(1973).Vigor determinat
115200 (12.5 x 0.8775 0.474 1.2385
efg ion in Soybean by multiple criteria. African Journal of
40 cm) 5h ab
Crop Science, 10:31-34.
9 320000 (7.5 x 0.7760fg 0.349 1.2785
Ali, K.,Gemechu, A.S.,M.R,Beniwal,S.Makkouk and
40 cm) 5h ab
d h
Halila.M. (2003). Food and forage legumes of Ethiopia;
180000(10 x 40 0.9010 0.341 1.2530 Progress and prospects of food and forage legume
cm) ef ab
b h
Proceeding of the workshop, 22-26 September 2003,
115200 (12.5 x 0.7570 0.414 1.2035 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
40 cm) ab
Bortey, H.M.,Sadia, A.O.,and Asibuo, J.Y. (2016).
LSD (5%) 0.167 Influence of Seed Storage Techniques on germinability
4 and Storability of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata
Grand mean 0.818 L).Journal of Agricultural Science, 8(10):41-48.
Means in columns and rows followed by the same letter(s) Carlos Eduardo, Marcos Antonio, Rosana Goncalves,
are not significantly different from each other at 5% America Wagner and Claudio Horst.
probability level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at (2015).Germination and emergence of passion fruit
P=0.05 and CV= Cofiecent of varation. (Passiflora edulis) seeds obtained by self- and open-
pollination Journal of agronomy, 37(4):89-93.
CRS.(2014). Introduction Improved Seed Storage Briefs.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Nairobi: Catholic Relief Services.
CSA (Central Stastical Agency). (2014). Agricultural
In Ethiopia legumes are the major sources of protein where Sample survey, report on area production of majour
common bean accounts for the largest proportion next to crops (private peasant holdings, Meher season).
Addis Ababa statistical Bulletin 578.Edition. John
faba bean and field pea. However, the productivity of the Wiley and Sons, New York.
crop in Ethiopia is much lower than the yields of other Fekadu Gurmu. (2013). Assessment of Farmers’ Criteria
common been producing countries of the world. This might for Common Bean Variety selection: The case of
be attributed partly by the use of low quality seeds of Umbullo Watershed in Sidama Zone of the Southern
improved varieties, and production of the crop under Region of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal for research and
suboptimal or above the recommended plant population. innovation foresight, l5:4- 13.
Fekadu Gurmu. (2007). Participatory Varietal Selection of
Therefore, this research was conducted to assess the
Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties in
effect of duration of seed storage at ambient condition and Umbullo Wacho and BeresaWatersheds in the
plant population on the seed quality, of common bean Southern Region. In: Proceedings of Irish Aid
varieties. The treatments were arranged a factorial Supported Operational Research Review Workshop
combination of three improved varieties (Haramaya, 11-13 January 2007. Hawassa University, Hawassa,
Dursitu and Fadis), three storage periods (9, 33 and 45 Ethiopia.
months) and three plant populations (320000, 180000 and Frehiwot M. (2010). Profile of Haricot bean production,
supply, demand and marketing issues in Ethiopia,
115200 ha1). Generally, the research findings suggested

Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
 Mekonnen et al. 263
Ethiopia Commodity Exchange Authority, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ghassemi, k. (1992). Effect of seed quality on Cereal
Yields University of, Reading UK PhD Thesis.pp.264.
Gomez, K.T. and A.A.Gomez.(1984).Statistical
Procedures for Agricultural Research, 2nd Edition.
John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Gore, S.V., R.B. Patil and G. R. Wankhade. (1997). Effect
of maturity period and harvesting time on seed quality
in soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars. Seed Res. 25
(1): 45-49.
Gunaga, R.P., Doddabasava and R.Vasudeva. (2011).
Influence of seed size on germination and seedling
growth in Mammae Suriga, Karantaka Journal of
Agriculture Science, 24:15-16.
Hacisalihoglu, G.D., dwinr, and Longo.(2005). Inferential
Response of common bean genotypes to mycorrhizal
colonization. Proceeding of Horticultural science,
18:150-152.
Hojjat,S.S. (2011).Effect of seed size on germination and
seedling growth of some Lentil genotypes international
Journal of Agriculture, crop science, 3.
ISTA (International Seed Testing Association). (2014).
International Rules for Seed Testing, Journal of
Agricultural Science China 6:60-66.
Jyoti, C and Malik, P. (2013). International journal of life
science biotechnology pharema research Hyderabad
India a review on seed deterioration: 2 (3).
Kristin,A.S.,Serna,R.R.,Perez,F.I.,Enriquez,
B.C.,Gallegos.J.A.A, Vallejo, P.R.,Wassimin, Kelley
J.D. 1997. Improving common bean performance
under drought stress. Crop Science, 37:43-
50.Kumar,G.and Rai, P.K. (2009). Genetic repairing
through storage of gamma irradiated seeds in maize
(Zea mays L.) inbred. Turkish Journal of Biology, 33:
195-204.
Legesse DG, Kumssa T, Assefa M, Taha J, Gobena T,
Alemaw A, Abebe Y, Mohhamed, Terefe H.(2006).
Production and Marketing of White Pea Beans in the Rift
Valley, Ethiopia, National Bean Research Program of
Ethiopia.
Matthews,P.W.,E.L.Armstrong,C.J.Lisle,I.D.Menz,P.L.Sh
ephardandB.C.Armstrong.(2008). The effect of faba
bean plant population on yield, seed quality and plant
architecture under irrigation in southern NSW. Australia
Crop Agronomy Journal,23: 40-43.
MoARD.(2010). Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development. Crop Variety Register Issue no.8.
Mohd AL.,Munir A., Abdel Rahman M.(2004). Effect of
Seed Size and Plant Population Density on Yield and
Yield Components of Local Faba Bean (Vicia faba L)
international journal of agriculture & biology, (6):2.
Mwale,M.V.,M.J.Bokosi1,M.C.Masangano, M.B.
Kwapata1, V.H.Kabambe and C. Miles.(2008). Yield
performance of dwarf bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines
under researcher designed 48 farmer managed system
Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
in three bean agro-ecological zones of Malawi. African
Journal, 20 (16): 47-53.
Nagel, M.,Vogel, H.,Landjeva, S., Buck-Sorlin,
G.,Lohwasser, U., Scholz, U. and Borner, A.
(2009).Seed conservation in exist gene banks genetic
studies on longevity in barley, Euphytica 17:5-14.
Popovic,T.,Starovic,M.,Aleksic, G., Zivkovic, S., Josic, D.,
Ignjatov, M. and Milovanovic, (.2012). Response of
different beans against common bacterial blight disease
caused by Xanthomonas
axonopodisPhaseolis.Bulgariea Journal of Agriculture.
Science, 18:701-707.
Sun.,J.Wang.B.Sun.(2007).Advances on seed vigor
physiology and genetic mechanisms. Journal of
Agricultural Science China 6:60-66.
Teshale Assefa, Girma Abebe, Chemeda Fininsa, Bulti
Tesso and Abdel Rahman Tawaha. (2005). Participatory
Bean Breeding with Women and Small Holder Farmers
in Eastern Ethiopia. World Journal of Agricultural
Sciences, 1:28-30.
Tessbo M.,H.Ogindo and S.Walker.(2004).Yield evaluation
of maize and bean intercropping the effect of faba bean
plant population on yield, seed quality and plant
architecture under irrigation in southern NSW. Australia
Crop Agronomy Journal, 23: 40-43.
Verma, O.andVerma R.S. (2014). Effect of seed coating
material and storage containers on germination and
seedling vigor of soybean (Glycine max L.).SAARC
Journal of Agriculture, 12(2):16-24.
Verma,S.S.,Tomer, R.P.S and Verma U.2003.Loss of
viability and vigor in Indian mustard seeds stored under
ambient conditions, Seed Research,31:98-101.
Accepted 12 September 2020
Citation: Mekonnen G, Wassu M and Bulti T (2020). Effect
of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant
Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus
vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia World
Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 7(2): 254-263.
Copyright: © 2020 Mekonnen et al. This is an open-
access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original author and source are cited.