Physiology, vigour and viability of desiccation - sensitive arecanut (Areca catechu L.) seeds influenced by waxing

The effect of waxing on seed storability and physiology were investigated in recalcitrant arecanut (Areca catechu L.) using different storage containers. The differences were observed in the wax-coated seeds compared with uncoated seeds in case of viability and physiological attributes. The wax-coated seeds stored in jute gunny bag under ambient condition successfully extended its storability for a period of 50 days with 60 per cent viability. While, uncoated seeds stored in ambient condition loses its complete viability within 25 days with drastic moisture loss (17%). Seedling vigour index was also proved higher in wax-coated seeds stored in gunny bag instead of other storage containers. The rate of increase in leachate electrical conductivity, sugar and lipid peroxidation were negligible in the said treatment irrespective of others.