Effects of storage methods and seasons on seed quality of jute mallow morphotypes (Corchorus olitorius) in Siaya and Kakamega counties, Kenya

Jute mallow is an important source of nutrients, income and traditional medicine inKenya. It is extensively grown and consumed in Western Kenya. However, itsproduction is constrained by lack of quality seeds due to varied farmers’ agronomic andpostharvest practices. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of storagemethods on seed quality of jute mallow in Western Kenya. Seeds of two morphotypesof C. olitorius(with 70% and above germination)were stored in clay pots, transparentplastic jars, brown paper bags and polythene bags at room temperature in Kakamegaand Siaya Counties. Seeds were also stored in a freezer at Chepkoilel campus in Eldoretat -20C. In Kakamega County, average room temperature was 230C and relativehumidity was 85% during the storage period of May to July 2006. In Siaya County, theaverage room temperature was 250C and relative humidity was 80% during the sameperiod. Between December and February 2006, the average room temperature was260C while relative humidity was 80% in Kakamega County. In Siaya County, theaverage temperature was 280C and relative humidity 65% for the same period. Storageduration was 90 days, which is the length of time farmers in the study areas store jutemallow seeds to avoid seed dormancy. Seed viability and vigourof the seeds wasdetermined. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Ttestsusing Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) programme. Season of growth andstorage methods influenced the seed quality. Seeds stored in clay pots, brown paperbags, plastic transparent jars and freezer had higher seed quality than those stored inpolythene bags. Even though there was varied response to different storage methods,generally it was recommended that in order to obtain high quality seeds, farmers shouldstore jute mallow seeds in clay pots or brown paper bags or plastic transparent jars orfreezer.Key words: jute mallow, seed vigour, seed viability, storage methods, Corchorusolitoriu