Research article · 2025 · Full text
International Journal of Horticulture and Food SciencePhysiological traits as indicators of seed aging and yield potential in rapeseed and mustard (Brassica spp.)
Volume 7(2) · Pages 41–44 · DOI: 10.33545/26631067.2025.v7.i2a.266 ↗
Research areasNitrogen and Sulfur Effects on BrassicaPlant Micronutrient Interactions and EffectsAgricultural Science and Fertilization
Abstract
Author-writtenThis study investigates the impact of seed aging on physiological traits and seed quality in rapeseed and mustard (Brassica spp.), focusing on plant height, siliquae per plant, and seed yield. Fresh and aged seeds from six Brassica varieties-PM-28, M-27, TS-36, TS-38, Kakching Yella, and Potsangbam Yella were cultivated under uniform field conditions at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Manipur, using a factorial randomized block design. Results revealed significant reductions in plant height, siliquae production, and seed yield across all aged seed varieties. For instance, fresh seeds of PM-28 attained a maximum plant height of 95.00 cm, while aged M-27 seeds recorded the shortest height (63.50 cm). Similarly, seed yield dropped sharply from 1258.75 kg/ha in fresh PM-28 seeds to 451.25 kg/ha in aged Potsangbam Yella seeds. These findings underscore the necessity of optimal seed storage to maintain physiological vigor and ensure agricultural productivity.
Summary
Source-checkedPlain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.
Why it matters
- Seed quality is essential for agricultural productivity because it directly affects how well seeds germinate, the vigor of the resulting seedlings, and the final crop yield. View evidence ↗
- Seed aging is a natural biological process that leads to a gradual loss of quality through biochemical and physiological degradation. View evidence ↗
- Brassica species are vital oilseed crops in India's economy, providing essential oil (30-35%) and protein (34-39%) for industrial and dietary use. View evidence ↗
- The high oil content of Brassica seeds makes them particularly susceptible to rapid deterioration while in storage. View evidence ↗
The question
- The study aims to evaluate how seed aging affects plant height, the number of siliquae per plant, and the overall seed yield across six different Brassica varieties. View evidence ↗
What they did
- Researchers used a factorial randomized block design to compare fresh and aged seeds from six varieties: PM-28, M-27, TS-36, TS-38, Kakching Yella, and Potsangbam Yella. View evidence ↗
- To simulate natural aging, aged seeds were stored in ambient conditions for 24 months, whereas fresh seeds were kept under controlled conditions. View evidence ↗
- The study used four replications per treatment and analyzed the data using ANOVA and LSD tests at a 5% significance level. View evidence ↗
What they found
- Seed aging reduced plant height; fresh PM-28 and TS-36 seeds reached a maximum of 95.00 cm, while aged M-27 seeds were the shortest at 63.50 cm. View evidence ↗
- Reproductive output declined with age, with fresh PM-28 seeds producing the most siliquae at 143 per plant. View evidence ↗
- Seed yield was most heavily impacted by aging, ranging from a high of 1258.75 kg/ha for fresh PM-28 seeds to a low of 451.25 kg/ha for aged Potsangbam Yella seeds. View evidence ↗
What it means
- The authors conclude that plant height, siliquae per plant, and seed yield serve as reliable and consistent markers for assessing seed aging in rapeseed and mustard. View evidence ↗
- The authors recommend implementing optimized seed storage practices to mitigate the negative effects of aging and maintain seed vigor. View evidence ↗
Visual summary
2 visualsIllustrations explain the paper; charts are replotted from the paper's own table values.
Impact of Seed Age on Plant Development
AI-generated conceptual illustration (Rapeseed and mustard plants (Brassica spp.)). It explains the idea and does not show study data.
View source evidence ↗
No of seeds per siliquae / Fresh seed and Aged seed: PM 28 vs M 27 vs TS 36 vs Kakching yella vs Potsangbam yella
Replotted from Table 3 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.
View source evidence ↗Figures & tables
From the original paper
Table 1
Figure 1
Table 2
Table 3
Figure 2
Figure 3Introduction
Seed quality is a critical determinant of agricultural productivity, directly influencing germination, seedling vigor, and crop yield. Seed aging is an inevitable biological process that progressively diminishes quality due to physiological and biochemical degradation. This issue is particularly significant for high-value oilseed crops such as rapeseed and mustard (Brassica spp.), where aging-related quality losses can severely impact crop performance and agricultural sustainability. Factors like temperature and humidity during storage exacerbate oxidative damage, reducing seed viability and vigor [1][2][3] . In India, Brassica species play a vital role in the agricultural economy as major oilseed crops. With an oil content of 30-35% and a protein content of 34-39%, these crops are indispensable for dietary and industrial purposes. However, their high oil content makes them prone to rapid deterioration during storage, necessitating strategies to maintain seed quality. Prior studies [4][5][6] have highlighted the vulnerability of Brassica seeds to aging, which underscores the importance of understanding the physiological changes associated with this process. Physiological changes such as reduced membrane integrity, increased electrolyte leakage, and enzymatic activity degradation have been identified as key factors in seed viability loss [11] . Research suggests that traits like plant height, siliquae per plant, and seed yield are reliable markers of seed aging effects and overall crop performance [8,9] . Building on these findings, this study focuses on evaluating the physiological responses of six Brassica varieties-PM-28, M-27, TS-36, TS-38, Kakching Yella, and Potsangbam Yellato seed aging. This study aims to assess the effects of seed aging on key physiological traits plant height, siliquae per plant, and seed yield in six Brassica varieties. By examining the correlation between seed aging and these traits, the study seeks to identify reliable markers for seed quality assessment and to inform optimal storage and cultivation practices for sustainable crop production.
Materials and Methods
Materials and Methods
Experimental Setup
The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2018-2019 at the experimental fields of the PanditDeenDayalUpadhyay Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Manipur. Laboratory analyses were carried out at the ICAR Seed Technology Laboratory, Imphal. A factorial randomized block design (FRBD) was employed to assess the physiological traits of fresh and aged seeds from six Brassica varieties: PM-28, M-27, TS-36, TS-38, Kakching Yella, and Potsangbam Yella. Fresh seeds were briefly stored under controlled conditions, while aged seeds had been stored for 24 months in ambient conditions to simulate natural aging.
Physiological Traits Monitored
1. Plant Height: Plant height was measured from the base of the plant to apex at full maturity using a standard measuring scale. 2. Siliquae per Plant: The average siliquae count was recorded from five randomly selected plants per plot to ensure representative sampling. 3. Seed Yield: Seed yield was calculated from net plot harvests and standardized to kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) for uniform comparison.
Field plots were prepared with a row-to-row spacing of 30 cm and plant-to-plant spacing of 15 cm. Treatments were replicated four times to enhance statistical reliability. All cultivation practices, including irrigation, fertilization, and pest management, adhered to standard agronomic protocols. Data were collected under consistent environmental conditions to minimize variability.
Standards and Data Collection
All experimental procedures followed ISTA (2019) standards to ensure accuracy and reproducibility. Environmental variables were monitored throughout the experiment to maintain uniform growing conditions across treatments.
Data Analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the significance of differences among the treatments. Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests were conducted at a 5% significance level to identify statistically meaningful variations in physiological traits among Brassica varieties and seed age groups.
Results and Discussion
Results and Discussion
Plant Height
Seed aging significantly impacted plant height across all Brassica varieties studied. Fresh seeds exhibited superior growth vigor, with PM-28 and TS-36 achieving a maximum height of 95.00 cm. In contrast, aged M-27 seeds showed the lowest average height of 63.50 cm. These results highlight the sensitivity of plant height to seed quality and the physiological effects of aging on growth potential.
Variations in plant height across seed age groups were statistically significant (Table 1), underscoring the importance of maintaining seed vigor for optimal growth. Figures 1 graphically illustrate these trends, highlighting the substantial length of siliquae difference between fresh and aged seeds.
| Varieties | Siliquae length in cm | — | — |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh seed | Aged seed | Mean | |
| PM 28 | 4.05 | 3.95 | 4.00 |
| M 27 | 3.925 | 3.65 | 3.78 |
| TS 36 | 4.55 | 4.15 | 4.35 |
| Kakching yella | 3.72 | 3.47 | 3.60 |
| Potsangbam yella | 3.35 | 3.25 | 3.30 |
| TS 38 | 4.27 | 4.02 | 4.15 |
| Mean | 3.979 | 3.750 | |
| Factor | A | B | A X B |
| SE(m) | 0.154 | 0.089 | 0.218 |
| C.D (0.5) | 0.445 | 0.257 | 0.628 |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
View original table image
Siliquae per Plant
The number of siliquae per plant, an indicator of reproductive success, also showed a marked decline in aged seeds. Fresh PM-28 seeds recorded the highest siliquae count at 143 per plant, while aged TS-38 seeds exhibited a significant reduction in reproductive output. The decline in siliquae count demonstrates the adverse effects of seed aging on the reproductive capacity of Brassica crops (Table 2). This reduction in reproductive potential can be attributed to aging-induced physiological changes, such as reduced enzymatic activity and membrane degradation, which compromise seed vigor. Figures 2 graphically illustrate these trends, highlighting the substantial number of seed per siliquae difference between fresh and aged seeds.
| Varieties | No of seeds per siliquae | — | — |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh seed | Aged seed | Mean | |
| PM 28 | 14.50 | 13.25 | 13.87 |
| M 27 | 13.25 | 12.50 | 12.87 |
| TS 36 | 12.00 | 11.25 | 11.62 |
| Kakching yella | 13.00 | 12.25 | 12.62 |
| Potsangbam yella | 14.00 | 13.25 | 13.62 |
| TS 38 | 11.75 | 11.50 | 11.62 |
| Mean | 13.08 | 12.33 | |
| Factor | A | B | A X B |
| SE(m) | 0.407 | 0.235 | 0.576 |
| C.D (0.5) | 1.176 | 0.679 | 1.662 |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
View original table image
Seed Yield
Seed yield, a critical measure of crop productivity, displayed the most pronounced impact of seed aging. Fresh PM-28 seeds produced the highest yield of 1258.75 kg/ha, while aged Potsangbam Yella seeds yielded the lowest at 451.25 kg/ha (Table 3). The observed yield differences correlate strongly with reductions in plant height and siliquae per plant, reinforcing the interdependence of physiological parameters in determining crop productivity. Figures 3graphically illustrate these trends, highlighting the substantial productivity gap between fresh and aged seeds.
| Varieties | No of seeds per siliquae | — | — |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh seed | Aged seed | Mean | |
| PM 28 | 1258.75 | 1086.50 | 1,172.62 |
| M 27 | 984.75 | 876.50 | 930.62 |
| TS 36 | 954.00 | 834.00 | 894.00 |
| Kakching yella | 623.25 | 502.75 | 563.00 |
| Potsangbam yella | 526.00 | 451.25 | 488.62 |
| TS 38 | 907.00 | 833.00 | 870.25 |
| Mean | 875.70 | 764.00 | |
| Factor | A | B | A X B |
| SE(m) | 9.752 | 5.630 | 13.791 |
| C.D (0.5) | 28.182 | 16.271 | 39.855 |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
View original table image
Interpretation of Findings
The observed decline in plant height, siliquae per plant, and seed yield with aging aligns with established research on seed deterioration. Physiological degradation, including reduced membrane integrity and increased electrolyte leakage, has been identified as a key factor in the decline of seed performance [8][9] . High oil content in Brassica seeds further exacerbates oxidative damage during storage, accelerating the aging process [3,6] . The results of this study emphasize the critical need for proper storage practices to mitigate seed quality loss and sustain productivity [2,10] .
Conclusions
This study has conclusively demonstrated that physiological traits, including plant height, siliquae per plant, and seed yield, are reliable and consistent indicators of seed aging in rapeseed and mustard. Fresh seeds consistently exhibited superior outcomes in these critical traits, highlighting the significant impact of seed age on overall plant development and productivity. The findings suggest that seed vigor, directly influenced by the preservation of seed quality, plays a crucial role in ensuring high yields. Fresh seeds showed optimal growth and productivity, which is vital for maintaining the desired quality of crops, particularly for high-value oilseeds such as rapeseed and mustard, which are highly susceptible to oxidative aging. This oxidative process leads to a decline in seed viability, resulting in decreased productivity and economic losses. Given these insights, it becomes evident that appropriate and optimized seed storage practices are of utmost importance in mitigating the effects of seed aging. The need for strategic seed management-ranging from timely harvesting, proper handling, and the use of advanced storage techniques-is imperative for maintaining the integrity of seed quality over time. Such practices will not only safeguard seed vigor but also enhance the overall resilience and productivity of Brassica crops.
Acknowledgement
AcknowledgmentsThe authors acknowledge The Green Foundation for providing facilities and resources to conduct this study. Gratitude is extended to the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Institute of Agricultural Sciences for hosting the experimental trials and offering valuable technical support.
Figures and tables from the paper
References
11 in the original paper- McDonald MB. Seed deterioration: physiology, repair, and assessment. Seed Science and Technology. 1999;27(1):177-237.
- Walters C, Wheeler LM, Stanwood PC. Longevity of cryogenically stored seeds. Cryobiology. 2005;48(3):229-244.
- Bailly C. Active oxygen species and antioxidants in seed biology. Seed Science Research. 2004;14(2):93107.
- Singhal NC. Studies on storability of seeds. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 1986;56(1):69-72.
- Irfan M, Hayat S, Ahmad A. Physiological processes during aging of seeds. Botanical Review. 2004;70(4):231-251.
- Filho MJ. Physiological potential of soybean seeds. Abrates Journal. 1998;20(1):68-71.
- Singh AP. Comprehensive analysis of the nutritional profile of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Seeds. International Journal of Agriculture and Nutrition. 2023;5(2):100-102. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26646064.2023.v5.i2b.164
- Tekrony DM. Accelerated aging test for seed quality assessment. Journal of Seed Technology. 1995;19(2):12-18.
- Woodstock LW. Biochemical tests for seed vigor. Proceedings of the International Seed Testing Association. 1969;34(1):197-205.
- Copeland LO, McDonald MB. Principles of seed science and technology. 4 th Ed. New York: Springer, 2001.
- Veselova TV, Veselovsky VA. Biochemical and physiological changes during seed aging. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology. 2003;50(2):220-226.