Maintenance of seed quality during storage until planting is imperative to assure its planting value and increasing seed yield. Laboratory experiment was carried out at Mansoura Seed Technology Research Unit, Seed Technology Research Section, Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt during 2008 and 2009 years to evaluate bioassay effects of (Ramith and Oshar) cholorophorm and ethanol extracts on Bruchidius trifolii (Poc), and the effect of treating seed of Egyptian Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) c.v. helaly, Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) c.v. Ismaelia 1 and Fahl berseem with these plant extracts on seed quality and insect infestation during different storage periods (0, 6, 12 and 18 months). The results revealed that Ramith cholorophorm and Oshar ethanol extracts were the most toxic for (Bruchidius trifolii) followed by Oshar cholorophorm and Ramith ethanol extracts and the values of Lc50 were (4753.9, 8514.3, 11026.9 and 20649.6 ppm), respectively. After six months from storage, the germination percentage for both of Alfalfa, Egyptian clover and Fahl berseem seeds pass the minimum level for the acceptance of certified seed (85%). Insect inspection cleared, the insect infestation level in Alfalfa seed (4.45%) was the less , followed by both of Egyptian clover and Fahl berseem (6.4 and 6.2%). Treated seed with Ramith cholorophorm extract, produced high germination percentage, seedlings vigour and the lowest level of insect infestation (3.75%) comparing with untreated seed while its germination percentage reduced less than the acceptance level for certified seed and the insect infestation level increased to (8.67%). After storage with 18 months, germination percentage reduced gradually and becomes less than the acceptance level for certified seed and Alfalfa was the less in reduction of seed germination and seedling vigour traits. In general, comparing with the previous storage periods, seed quality decreased and insect infestation increased and reached to 22.67 % for untreated seed. Storage periods negatively and significantly correlated with both of germination %, accelerated aging germination % and seedlings vigour index and highly positively correlated with insect infestation % and electrical conductivity. Also, insect infestation % negatively and highly correlated with germination % and seed lings vigour index.
This study suggested, using seed protectants such as Ramith cholorophorm and Oshar ethanol extracts for protect Alfalfa, Egyptian clover and Fahl berseem seed against Bruchidius trifolii (Poc). Also, planting (Alfalfa, Egyptian clover and Fahl berseem) certified seed in the same production year is preferable well but Clover carry over seed should be stored at optimum conditions and when planting seed rate should be increased to redress the reduction in seed quality.