This investigation was conducted under the laboratory conditions of Seed Technology Research Unit, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, (ARC) during 2011 year to study the effect of seed moisture content (11, 14 and 17%) and seed treatments (Fungicide, plant material and fumigation) on wheat (C. V. Sakha 93) seed quality after six months from storage. The experiments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four replicates. The main results could be summarized as follows:-
Increasing wheat seed moisture content before storage more than 14% significantly decreased standard germination and increased fungi infestation percentage. After storage with six months, standard germination also decreased specially wheat seed had 17% moisture content meanwhile, storage pests (insect infestation and fungi infestation) and seed dry weight loss percentage were increased.
Significant differences among wheat seed treatments on insect infestation percentage, seed dry weight loss and fungi infestation percentage were detected. Treated seed with recommended dose (3 tablets /m3 PH3) under low levels of relative humidity 37% and 57% for 3 days was effective in maintains wheat seed quality fore six months. The interaction among seed moisture content and seed treatments had a significant effect on all studied traits.
From the former results, wheat seed c.v. (Sakha 93) could be store in open air with maintain good quality seed at moisture content not exceeded 14% after treatment with (fungicide + fumigation with PH3 at relative humidity up to 57%) or (neem oil + fumigation with PH3 at relative humidity up to 57%).