Exploring the Storage Potential of Groundnut Var.TMV (Gn) 13 under Modified Atmospheric Storage Conditions

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the suitable modified atmospheric storage condition required for long term storage of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety TMV (Gn) 13. The experiment was conducted during 2022 at Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.  The groundnut pods and kernels were subjected into different storage conditions viz., pods stored in gunny bag, kernels stored in gunny bag, kernels stored in polythene bag, kernels stored with N₂gas and kernels stored in vacuum conditions.  The results revealed that pod storage recorded the maximum germination percentage (73%), root length (14.5cm), shoot length(14.3cm), dry matter production (3.47 g 10 seedlings -1) and vigour (2136). Similarly, enzymes viz., dehydrogenase( 0.72 OD value), peroxidise (1.29U mgˉ¹ protein minˉ¹), alpha amylase (13.60mg maltose min-1) and catalase activity (1.253 µmolH₂O₂ minˉ¹gˉ¹ protein) were also maximum in pod storage with minimum harmful effect of pest(0.6%) and fungus incidence(17%). The nitrogen storage conditions also have maximum enzyme activity viz., dehydrogenase (0.64 OD value), peroxidise (1.24U mgˉ¹ protein minˉ¹), alpha amylase (13.58 mg maltose min-1) and catalase activity (1.220 µmolH₂O₂ minˉ¹gˉ¹ protein) with minimum harmful effect of pest (0.6%) and fungus incidence (20%). Present study, it is concluded that groundnut kernels stored under modified atmospheric storage i.e. nitrogen gas storage can maintain the seed longevity by minimizing the deterioration process in groundnut equally as that of pod storage. Further, it will helps to minimize the expenditure towards transport and storage.