Effects of storage bags type and storage duration on seed quality and proximate composition of emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum L.) in Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of storage materials (Storage bags) and durations on seed quality and proximate composition of emmer wheat in farmer storage practices. The emmer wheat samples were stored for nine consecutive months in PICS (Purdue Improved Crop Storage) bag (PB), Grainpro® Bag (GPB), Polypropylene Bag (PPB), emmer wheat treated with Filter Cake (a byproduct of Aluminum Sulphate factory) (FC), stored in Polypropylene bag (PPBFC) and Emmer wheat treated with triplex (a by-product of soap factory) (TX) stored in Polypropylene bag (PPBTX). Data on seed quality and proximate composition were evaluated every three months' interval for 9 months. As storage period increased from three to nine months; Germination Percentage, Speed of Germination, Vigour, Thousand Seed Weight (TSW), Bulk Density (BD), Seed Damage%, Seed Weight Loss, Protein and Carbohydrate contents were significantly influenced by the interaction effect of storage period and storage bag used. The highest germination (98%) was recorded from seeds stored in GPB for three months. The protein content of grains stored in GPB for three months showed the highest (8.3%) whereas, the lowest (6.5%) was for PPB at nine months of storage. Minimal insect incidence and lower seed weight loss were observed in emmer wheat stored in bags such as BP, GPB, PPBFC, and PPBTX. The use of PB and GPB, as well as the application of FC and TX maintained the proximate and seed quality of emmer wheat.