Effect of specific gravity separation on seed quality improvement of coriander var. CO3

Abstract: An attempt was made to study the effect of specific gravity separation on seed germination and biochemical properties of coriander var. CO3 seed at Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU, Kumulur, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu. The seeds were graded in a specific gravity separator viz., horizontal height (cm), vertical height (cm) and air blow rate (m³/hr) adjustments of 0.5, 1.0 and 3.5, respectively at 485 rpm. Coriander seeds were classified into five grades, numbered one through five, and labeled A, B, C, D, and E (grade A represents light weight seeds and grade E represents heavy weight seeds). The seeds were graded and then tested for seed recovery percentage, 100 seed weight, seed filling percentage, germination percentage, speed of germination, seedling length (cm), dry matter production (g/10 seedlings), vigour index, field emergence (%), and biochemical analysis. The results revealed that higher germination per cent was recorded in the E grade (74 per cent) than A, B, C and D grades as well as F-ungraded bulk seeds. Estimation of storage reserves revealed that variation existed among the grades separated by the specific gravity separator. E grade seeds recorded higher protein, oil and carbohydrate contents, which would have substantiated the higher germination, vigour and field emergence.