Assessment of triple-layer hermetic bags for safe storage of cowpea seeds in tropical conditions

Abstract

Cowpea seeds in traditional containers in the tropics can lose more than half their germination within ten months. This research compared triple-layer hermetic bags, single-layer polypropylene bags, and jute sacks for cowpea seed storage over ten months at a tropical simulation facility at ETH Zurich (2022-2023). After ten months, seeds in hermetic bags retained 87.6% germination versus 58.4% in polypropylene and 41.7% in jute. Moisture stayed below 12.5% in hermetic bags versus 16.1% and 18.4% in the others. Insect damage was 3.2% in hermetic bags versus 31.6% and 42.3%. Triple-layer hermetic bags maintained seed quality within planting standards throughout.