Uman National University | today: 12/25/2025

Influence of storage duration and seed injury on germination and physiological traits of different pea species

Author(s) Kononenko L.M., Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, , Uman National University of Horticulture, Ukraine
Кам’янченко Д. І., , ,
Category The Agronomy
year 2025 issue Issue 107 part 1
pages 475-485 index UDK 633.358:631.53.01:581.1
DOI 10.32782/2415-8240-2025-107-1-475-485 (Link)
Abstract Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of storage duration and the degree of seed injury on the germination and physiological characteristics of different pea species. The research focused on determining the patterns of changes in seed germination, vigor, viability, and seedling growth of common pea (Pisum sativum L.) and asparagus pea (Pisum tetragonolobus L.) under long-term storage conditions. The study aimed to identify how mechanical damage and prolonged storage interact to influence seed quality and to provide recommendations for effective storage management. Methods. Seeds were stored for 1, 2, 3, and 5 years and categorized according to the degree of mechanical injury: intact (undamaged), micro-damaged, and macro-damaged seeds. Germination tests and assessments of seed vigor were conducted in accordance with ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) protocols, using rolled paper and Petri dishes at controlled temperature (20 ± 2 °C) and relative humidity (70 %). Statistical analysis included calculation of mean values, standard deviation (SD), minimum and maximum values, and coefficient of variation (V, %), allowing for evaluation of data reliability and variability. Results. The results demonstrated that longer storage significantly reduced germination, vigor, and seedling growth, and that these effects were intensified by the degree of seed injury. Intact seeds maintained the highest germination rates (72–88 % for common pea, 73–78 % for asparagus pea) over five years, whereas micro- and macro-damaged seeds exhibited greater declines in performance. Macro-damaged seeds showed the most substantial reductions, with germination decreasing to 58 % in common pea and 63 % in asparagus pea after 5 years. Seedling root and shoot lengths also decreased by 0.5–1.0 cm in comparison to micro-damaged seeds. Coefficients of variation ranged from 3 to 11 %, indicating the reliability and consistency of experimental data. Conclusions. The study confirms the significant influence of both storage duration and seed injury on the germination and physiological traits of pea seeds. Proper control of seed integrity during preparation and storage is essential for maintaining high seed quality and ensuring subsequent crop performance. The findings highlight the need for species-specific storage strategies that account for sensitivity to mechanical damage and prolonged storage periods, providing valuable guidance for seed conservation and agricultural management.
Key words common pea, asparagus pea, storage duration, micro-damage, macro-damage, germination, seed vigor, seed viabilityх
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