Effects of Plant Extracts on Quality and Viability of Wheat Seeds during Storage

The objective of this research was to study the effect of plant extracts on wheat seeds during storage periods (3, 6, 12 and 18 months). Plant extracts used were: Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum basilicum L. (Basil) and Datura stramonium (Datura) at concentrations of 8%, 10% and 12% concentrations. The results showed that increasing storage time after harvest to 3, 6, 12 and 18 months significantly decreased the mean germination percentage, seedling parameter [root length, shoot length and seedling dry weight], relative density (R.D), seedling vigour index (S.V.I), field emergence (F.G), field survival (F.S), relative field emergence ( R.F.E) and relative field survival (R.F.S).On the other hand, the decline in germination percentage was associated with the increase in electrical conductivity (E.C) value, acidity and moisture content. The maximum germination percentage, seedling parameters [root length, shoot length and seedling dry weight] and R.D were recorded in the treatment where neem extract was applied at 10% concentrations. However, the treatment with neem extract (8%) concentration gave the lowest viability by increasing EC value and acidity percentage.