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Groundnut seeds are prone to quality deterioration and damage due to improper storage. Hermetic storage of pods offers a novel, sustainable and ecologically safe alternative over traditional methods. In this paper, we demonstrate the efficacy of triple-layer “Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS)” bags, (that comprises of two inner high density polyethylene bags and one outer woven polypropylene bag), for protecting pods from quality deterioration, damage by bruchids (Caryedon serratus) and aflatoxin contamination (Aspergillus flavus). Custom made triple-layer bags were used and pods (of cv ICGV 91114) were placed @ 2 kg/bag. Over four months of storage under ambient conditions, triple-layer bags supported retention of seed weight, germinability and oil content significantly better than cloth bags. Further, under both natural and artificial infestations with A. flavus, seed aflatoxins levels were lower in PICS bags compared to cloth bags. Toxin accumulation in PICS bags deliberately infested with bruchids and A. flavus was less compared to cloth bags under similar conditions. Bruchid damage to pods was less in PICS bags versus cloth bags in all cases. Our results suggest the superiority of triple-layer PICS bags over cloth bags in protecting seed viability, seed weight and oil content while safeguarding the groundnuts from bruchids and retarding toxin accumulation.

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] seed stored in triple layer Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) bags for eight months retained germination and seed integrity significantly better than seed stored in traditional gunny bags. PICS bags prevented major damage caused by bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus F.), while grain stored in gunny bags suffered severe losses. The aflatoxin levels in stored seed were low and not significantly different between the two storage systems. The levels of O2 in PICS bags artificially infested with C. maculatus dropped rapidly during the first month of storage while the levels of CO2 increased. Even in absence of bruchids (noninfested seed) PICS bags preserved seed germination for extended periods of time better than gunny bags; possibly due to the higher and more stable relative humidity inside the PICS bags. Higher seed germination would result in improved plant stands in the field and subsequent higher yields and increased productivity. Thus, PICS bags have shown potential to positively impact the economy of pigeonpea farmers in the semi-arid tropics.

Summary Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex. Benth. hypocotyl explants (5 -10 mm length) were excised from 10-day-old seedlings in vitro and cultured on modified MS medium with KN, BAP, 2,4-D and NAA singly or in combination. BAP (1 mg/L) and NAA (0.5) + BAP (1.0 mg/L) showed the highest morphogenetic response. Glutamine enhanced the percentage frequency of calli showing shoots and number of shoots per explant compared with arginine and media lacking them. The organogenetic capability of the callus declined when the sucrose concentration in MS medium was increased from 30-50 g/L; at 60 g/L no shoots were developed and the callus turned black. The excised shoots developed roots with IBA and IBA+NAA, and plantlet regeneration was achieved.