Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is produced in eastern Hararghe, both under sole crop and intercrop systems mainly from farms save seeds. Limited information is available on the effect of seed storage period and plant population on seed quality of the crop. Therefore, this study was conducted at Haramaya University research field to assess the effect of duration of seed storage at ambient condition and plant population on the seed quality of common bean. The treatments were arranged in, factorial combination of three improved varieties (Haramaya, Dursitu and Fadis), three storage periods (9, 33 and 45 months) and three plant populations (320000, 180000 and 115200 ha-1). The seed quality test in the laboratory was conducted to evaluate the seed samples produced from these in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The seed quality of Haramaya was exceeded by Fadis variety. All seed quality parameters except seedling shoot length, thousand seed weight and proportion of hard seeds during germination had positive and significant correlation with grain yield. Generally, the research findings suggested the importance of using seeds stored for short period of time, optimum plant population and high yielding variety to increase the seed quality of the crop in the study area.

1. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and
Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean
(Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern
Ethiopia
Mekonnen G1*, Wassu M2 and Bulti T3
1,2,3School of plant science, Haramaya University, East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is produced in eastern Hararghe, both under sole crop and
intercrop systems mainly from farms save seeds. Limited information is available on the effect of
seed storage period and plant population on seed quality of the crop. Therefore, this study was
conducted at Haramaya University research field to assess the effect of duration of seed storage
at ambient condition and plant population on the seed quality of common bean. The treatments
were arranged in, factorial combination of three improved varieties (Haramaya, Dursitu and
Fadis), three storage periods (9, 33 and 45 months) and three plant populations (320000, 180000
and 115200 ha-1). The seed quality test in the laboratory was conducted to evaluate the seed
samples produced from these in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications.
The seed quality of Haramaya was exceeded by Fadis variety. All seed quality parameters except
seedling shoot length, thousand seed weight and proportion of hard seeds during germination
had positive and significant correlation with grain yield. Generally, the research findings
suggested the importance of using seeds stored for short period of time, optimum plant
population and high yielding variety to increase the seed quality of the crop in the study area.
Keywords: Seed vigor, seed storage period, plant population, and seed quality
INTRODUCTION
The common bean (Phaselous vulgarise L.) is one of the
most important legumes worldwide because of its high co
mmercial value, extensive production, consumer use and
nutrient values (Popovic et al., 2012). It is an annual crop
that belongs to the family Fabaceae and it grows best in a
warm climate at a temperature of 18 to 24 C (Teshale et
al., 2005).Furthermore, the crop is the most important food
legume and offers a low cost alternative to beef and milk
as a source of protein, iron, fibers and complex
carbohydrates (Hacisalihoglu et al., 2005; Mwale et al.,
2008). In Ethiopia common bean is the third most
produced legume next to faba bean and field pea. It is one
of the major grain legumes widely cultivated and grown as
source of protein and cash by small holder farmers in
eastern and southern Ethiopia (Fekadu, 2013). It is grown
suitably in areas with an altitude ranging between 1200 to
2200 meters above sea level with a range of 16 to 280C
temperature and a rainfall of 350 upto500 mm well
distributed over the growing season. It performs best on
deep, friable and well aerated soil with good drainage,
heigh nutrient content and PH range of 5.8 to 6.5 (MOARD,
2010). Moreover, it is used for human utilization and
export. It grows in most of the agro ecology zones of low
and mid altitude areas of the country. A market demand for
the common beans both in the domestic and export market
has become the main mechanism for the growing trends
in quantity of production (Frehiwot, 2010).
Common bean is used as one of the cheapest sources of
protein apart from being the major source of cash income
in Ethiopia. Its reasonable protein content (22%) made it
the poor man's meat securing more than 16.7 million rural
people against hidden hunger (CSA, 2014).
*Corresponding Author: Mekonnen Gebeyaw, School of
plant science, Haramaya University, East Hararghe Zone,
Ethiopia. Email: mekonnengebeyaw23@gmail.com
Research Article
Vol. 7(2), pp. 254-264, October, 2020. © www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: 2326-3997
World Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences

2. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Mekonnen et al. 255
It is usually consumed in the form of boiled grain, which is
locally known as Nifro (Kristin et al., 1997).
Its short growth period earlier than other crops made it an
ideal food-deficit filler crop and its suitability for double or
triple production per year enabled its production on off
season free lands and relatively cheaper labor force. In
addition to this, it plays an important role in the soil fertility
amendment practices of low input farming systems
(Legesse et al., 2006).
Despite the common bean significant contribution to
Ethiopian people food and nutrition security and income
generation, its production and productivity are low. Among
many factors that contribute to the low yield of common
bean, low access to seeds of improved varieties and the
use of seeds stored for a longer period of time. The length
of seeds stored under ambient conditions is a critical
aspect of seed quality management. The longer seeds
stored under ambient conditions, are the risks of losing the
stored beans to storage pests and other seed quality
deterioration factors. Seed storage period may affect the
viability of seeds, as the reduction in seed viability is
directly proportional to the increase of storage duration
(Bortey et al., 2016). According to CRS, (2014) farmers in
Ethiopia stored their beans for 1-5 months (68%), more
than 5months (31%) and less than one month (1%).
Though farmers who stored beans for longer periods
fetched relatively higher prices, seeds stored for different
time deteriorate and loss their quality attributes. In eastern
Ethiopia. The farmers have different seed sources in which
seeds are stored for wide range of duration. In this part of
the country, lack of understanding for using timely stored
and quality seed with appropriate varieties of common
bean are some of the bottle neck problems that aggravates
for low quality and yield of the crop (Fekadu, 2007). The
effect of seed storage period, on seed quality of improved
varieties of common bean is not studied.
On the other hand, farmers do not use the recommended
intra row spacing for common bean, which results variation
on number of plant populations. Most Ethiopian farmers, in
general, practice higher Intra row spacing (lower plant
population) than research recommendations which result
in lower grain yields (Ali et al., 2003).At the same time
practicing lower Intra row spacing (higher plant population)
results in competition of plants for the same resource. This
leads to reduction of seed size and other quality related
traits of seeds, because the seed yield of common bean is
the result of many plant growth processes which ultimately
influence the seed quality obtained when all factors of input
for the crop growth have maximized (Tessb et al., 2004).
Therefore, generating information from research is
required on effect of seeds stored under ambient
conditions and plant population on common bean varieties
seed quality which has paramount importance to
overcome the production problems and increase the
productivity of the crop. Attempts have been made to study
the effect of plant population on common bean varieties
seed quality in eastern Ethiopia (Matthews et al., 2008).
However, this study did not consider seeds which were
stored under ambient conditions as a factor in influencing
the seed quality common bean varieties. Moreover, the
variation among common bean varieties for tolerance to
seeds storage periods under ambient conditions has not
been studied.
The objective of the Study
To assess the effect of seed storage period in ambient
condition and plant population on seed quality attributes of
common bean varieties
MATERIALAND METHODS
Description of the Study Area
The experiment was conducted in seed science and
technology laboratory of Haramaya University.
Experimental Material
The three varieties of common bean viz. Haramaya,
Dursitu and Fadis were used for the experiment. The
seeds of the varieties were taken from Haramaya
University common bean improvement project. The
description of the varieties is given in Table 1.The seeds
of three varieties of common bean were harvested during
2013, 2014 and 2016, and stored for about 9, 33 and 45
months with in the same material, which is pallid sack after
harvest.
Table1: Description of three common bean varieties
Variety Name Pedigree Year of
release
Yield
(ha-1)
Breeding
center
Days to
Maturity
1.Haramaya G-843 2006 15-
30
HU 85-110
2.Dursitu DOR-
811
2008 17-
30
HU 85-100
3. Fadis ECAB-
0060
2012 10-
22
HU 80-95
Source MOARD (1998): Crop Variety Register (1995-
2013), in farmer’s field
Treatments and Experimental Design
The seed quality test was conducted incomplete
randomized design with four replications. A treatments
consisted of factorial combinations of three storage
periods, three plant populations specified by (intrarow
spacing) and three common bean varieties as a result, 27
treatment combinations were formed.

3. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 256
Table 2: Treatment combination.
Seed Storage P
eriod
Plant population
(ha-1) Variety
45 months 320000(7.5x40c
m)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
180000(10
x40cm)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
115200(12.5x40
cm)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
33 months 320000(7.5x40c
m)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
180000(10
x40cm)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
115200(12.5x40
cm)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
9 months 320000(7.5x40c
m)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
180000(10
x40cm)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
115200(12.5x40
cm)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
Experimental Procedures
The seeds of three common bean varieties which were
stored for about 9 to 45 months at ambient condition and
grown with in different plant populations were tested for
seed quality after harvest of the crop. The physiological
(germination and vigor) seed quality test was conducted
using the sample seeds which were taken from each
storage period of each variety amounting to 1 kg as a
composite sample result from thoroughly mixed of
primarily sample. The sample seeds were taken from in
each suck of the seed lot that was stored in ambient
condition in were house, and then the composite sample
divided by using a seed divider into four equal parts until
250g was obtained. Each sample was sorted to four
components including (I) pure seed, (ii) other crop seeds,
(iii) inert mater and (IV) weed seeds. After the physical
seed quality test was completed, 200 pure seeds were
randomly selected from the total pure seeds obtained from
the sample seeds. The seeds were treated by Mankuzeb
fungicide to remove the microorganisms and to prevent the
growth of fungus. The sterilized seeds were divided into
four replication and each 50 seed within replication placed
on the double layered cotton cloth to drain the water from
seeds. The sample seeds were used for standard
germination test which was conducted using sand as
substratum, the sand was sieved to discard particles
bigger than 0.8 mm and smaller than 0.05 mm in diameter
and for every test new sand was used. The 50 seeds of
each treatment was sown in 10 row sown a uniform layer
of moist sand in one tray and then covered to a depth of
10 mm with sand as one replication, which was left loose.
The seeds were kept moist with gently applied water until
the germination test completed. The germination of seeds
in each flat tray filled with sand was counted every day
starting five days of sowing. The number of normal and
abnormal seedlings was counted separately. Abnormal
seedlings are badly diseased, discolored or distorted
seedlings. In addition to that other seed quality parameters
were taken after the seed germination which was indicated
in the data collection section.
Data Collection
Thousand seeds weight (TSW)
Randomly taken a thousand seeds of each storage period
and in each variety combination in each replication was
weighted in gram and recorded.
Moisture content (MC): Ten gram of seeds from each
variety and each storage duration combination in each
replication was taken from the sample seeds, grinded
weighted poured in a small container and covered with
aluminum foil for pre-dry measurement. Samples were
dried in an oven adjusted a temperature of 1300c +/-0c1for
two hours. At the end of two hours, containers were placed
in desiccators for 30 minutes. After cooling, the container
Weighed with its cover and contents, and the moisture
content of the seeds was determined by the following
formula ISTA (2014).
Moisture content of seed (%) =
M2 − M3
M2 − M1
x100
Where; M1 is the weight of the container; M2 is the weight
of the container with the
Weight of the seed and M3 is the weight of the seed with
the container after oven dried.
Standard germination test (SGT)
Germination test was done for all seed samples obtained
from store as initial seed samples of three varieties and di
fferent treatment combinations from field experiments. Tw
o hundred (200) seeds of the components of the pure see
d were divided into four replicates of fifty (50) seeds each
, which were sown in germination sand. On the final days
of the standard germination test, germinated seedlings w
as divided into normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings, har
d, fresh and dead seeds to determine the percentage of e
ach category of seedlings (ISTA, 2014).
Germination percentage (%)
=
Number of Normal seedlings
Total seeds sown
x 100
Speed of germination (SP)
The same procedures were used with that of germination
percentage, but the only difference was, the number of n
ormal germinated seeds daily recorded until there was no

4. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Mekonnen et al. 257
further germination. It was calculated by adding the ratio
of daily counts of normal seedlings divided by the number
of days of germination.
Speed of germination =
N1 + N2 + ⋯ … N
C1 C2 CF
Where: N1= number of normal seedlings at first count, N2
= number of normal seedlings at second count, NF=
number of normal seedlings at final count, C1= days to the
first count, C2= days to the second count and CF= days to
the final count.
Seed vigor test
The seedlings shoot length and root length was measured
after the final count in the standard germination test by
randomly taken ten normal seedlings from each treatment
combination from each replication. The shoot and root
length was measured from the point of attachment to the
tip of the shoot and root of the seedlings, respectively.
The average seedling shoot and root length were
determined as per ISTA (2014).
Seedling dry weight (SDW)
Ten randomly taken seedlings treatment combination
from each replication was placed in an envelope to be
dried in an oven at a temperature of 80 0C +10C for 24
hours. The dried seedlings were weighed in gram using a
sensitive balance ISTA (2014).
Vigor Index I and II
The seedling vigor index I and II were calculated according
to the formula described by Abdul-Baki and Anderson
(1973) as follows:
Seed vigor index I= GP x SL (mean shoot length and mean
of root length)
Where: GP is germination percentage and SL is seedling
length (mean of shoot length and mean of root length).
Seed vigor index II= GP x SDW (g),
Where: GP germination percentage and SDW
is the seedling dry weight.
Data Analysis
The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA
) following the standard procedure as indicated by Gomez
and Gomez (1984).The ANOVA was computed
with Genstat201616thedition. The comparison of
treatment combinations was done
following the significance of mean squares using Least
Significant Difference (LSD) at 1% and5% probability level.
RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS
Seed quality test after harvest of the crop
The seeds of three common bean varieties which were
stored for about 9 to 45 months at ambient condition and
grown with in different plant populations were tested for
seed quality after harvest of the crop. The analysis of
variance showed that the main effects of variety had
significant influence on all seed quality parameters, except
non-significant on the percentage of abnormal seedlings
and fresh ungerminated seeds. Apart from this, both the
main effects of storage period and plant population had
non-significant influence on all seed quality parameters
considered, except significant effect storage period was
observed on seed moisture content, seedling vigor index I,
germination percentage, seedling root length and dead
seeds, significant differences among plant populations
observed for thousand seed weight, seedling shoot length,
seedling vigor index I and II, dry seedlings weight and dead
seeds.
However, the three main factors (storage period x variety
x plant population) interacted to influence non-significant
differences on all seed quality parameters except
significant on seedling root length, seedling vigor index II,
fresh seedling weight and dead seeds. All possible two
main factors interactions (storage period x variety, storage
period x plant population and variety x plant population)
had non-significant difference on all seed quality
parameters except storage period x variety significant on
moisture content, thousand seed weight, seedling shoot,
germination percentage, seedling fresh and dry weight,
normal seedlings and dead seeds; storage period x plant
population significant on seed moisture content and
seedling root length; variety x plant population significant
on thousand seed weight, fresh seedling weight and dead
seeds. Most of the parameters of the seed quality test
from the newly harvested seeds of common bean varieties
were significant differences with storage period and plant
population as a factor. This showed that the varied storage
period and plant population had been affected differentially
common bean varieties. Storage period by, retarding
physiological activity of the seed, produce less vigorous,
and finally reduce their germination percentage and plant
population by influencing the establishment of optimum
canopy structure that leads to inter plant competition as a
result immature seeds. This finding was in line with during
aging of seeds under storage, chromosomal aberrations
like chromatin fragments and Point mutations occur in
various crops and it is the prominent causes of reduced
germination and other seedling characters (Kumar, 2009).

5. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Effect of the seed storage period, variety and plant
population on seed quality parameters
Seed moisture content
Seeds emerged from seeds that were stored for about 33
and 45 months and at a plant population of 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm) and 180000(10 x 40 cm) had significantly the
highest mean values of 23.17and 23.33% for seed
moisture content, respectively. Seeds emerged from the
variety Haramaya and Dursitu within 33 followed by 45
months storage duration had significantly the highest
mean values of 24.85and24.85% seed moisture content,
respectively, in both aspects of the storage period and the
variety non-significant difference was observed between
the mean values of the seed moisture content (Table 3).
The variation of seeds moisture content is due to the
variation on the ability of the seed nourishment of the
young seedlings that able to produce good seed, improper
size as well as nutrient content inside and the nature of the
variety. As seeds deteriorate, their capability to retain
cellular constituents decreased which was attributed to cell
membrane disruptions associated with the loss of
membrane phospholipids, so that this seeds did not
sufficiently nourish the young seedlings so that the second
generation seed should have lower ingredient
accumulation inside. Jyoti and Malik (2013) reported that
seeds which were emerged from long stored seeds have
lower moisture content because this seeds have lower
ingredient content than seeds that emerged from shorter
time stored seeds since moisture content of the seed
specified by the amount of ingredients found inside the
seed. Verma et al. (2003) reported that carbohydrates
increased with decrease in protein content in deteriorated
seeds since those seeds emerged from deteriorating
seeds, so that the seeds only nourish carbohydrates, As a
result the second generation seeds have more
carbohydrate content than seeds emerged from less
deteriorate seeds and retain lower moisture content.
Table 3: Interaction effect of storage period x plant
population and storage period x variety on the seed
moisture content of common bean varieties
Plant population (ha-1) Seed moisture content (%)
Storage period (month)
9 33 45
320000 (7.5 x 40 cm) 19.47c 23.17a 21.30b
180000(10 x 40 cm) 21.42b 21.82ab 23.33a
115200 (12.5 x 40 cm) 20.68bc 21.95ab 20.99bc
LSD (5%) 1.710
Grand mean 21.57
Variety
Haramaya 22.24b 24.85a 23.54ab
Dursitu 18.88de 22.08bc 24.23a
Fadis 20.45cd 20.00d 17.85e
LSD (5%) 1.710
Grand mean 21.57
Means in columns and rows in each interaction, followed
by the same letter(s) are not significantly different from
each other at 5% probability level. LSD (5%) =least
significant difference at P=0.05 and CV=Cofiecent of
variation.
Germination and speed of germination
The variety Fadis seed sample emerged from seeds which
stored for about 9, 33 and 45 months had significantly
highest mean values of 87.83, 88.17and88.18%for
germination percentage, respectively, without significant
differences between the three mean values. The seed
samples of Dursitu emerged from seeds which stored for
about 9, 33 and 45 month shad significantly lower mean
values of 56.00, 56.01 and 52.33%, respectively, for
germination percentage without significant differences
among mean values (Table 4).This is due to seeds of
Fadis variety large in size than seeds of Dursitu variety this
indicate that, larger sized seeds have the ability to
germinate faster than small sized seeds. Gunaga et al.
(2011) higher and quicker germination on bigger sized
seeds could be due to the presence of the higher amount
of carbohydrates and other nutrients than in medium and
small sized seeds because the nutrient carbohydrate
supply more energy for the seed, this leads to the seed
germinate faster. Another researchers’Hojjat (2011) also
reported that large sized seeds have better germination
capacity or capable of germinating early than medium and
small sized seeds in lentil genotypes.
In respect of dry seedling weight the variety Fadis in 9
months storage duration had significantly the highest
mean values of 1.41g seedling dry weight, (Table 4). This
might be due to seedlings emerged from shorter time
stored seeds gain sufficient nourishment from the first
seed so that the second generation seeds were good
nourishment for the seedlings that emerged from it. This
indicates that, seeds in enhancing seedling vigor and good
stand layson the amount of reserve content inside of the
seed and the ability to provide to the growing seedling at a
faster rate and sufficient manner which leads to large in
dry seedling weight (Ghassemi, 1992).
Table 4: Interaction effect of storage period and
variety on germination percentage and Seedling dry
weight of common bean varieties
Germination
percentage
seedling dry weight
Storage period
(month)
Haram
aya
Dursit
u
Fadis Haram
aya
Dursit
u
Fadis
45 62.21c 46.35
d
70.03
a
1.083b 0.800
c
1.350
a
33 68.79ab 48.46
d
69.65
a
1.017b 0.783
c
1.400
a
9 67.05b 48.45
d
69.66
a
0.967b 0.717
c
1.408
a

6. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
LSD (5%) 2.46 0.083
2
Grand mean 61.18 1.058
Means in columns and rows in each seed quality
parameter followed by the same letter(s) are not
significantly different from each other at 5% probability
level. LSD (5%) =least significant difference at P=0.05 and
CV= Cofiecent of variation.
The percentage of dead seeds was significantly influenced
by the three main factors, all possible two factors
interactions and the three factors interaction. Dursitu and
Haramaya varieties produced from seeds which was
stored for about45 months at a plant population of
320000(7.5 x 40 cm) and 180000(10 x 40 cm) result in the
largest mean values of 0.76% and 0.75%, significantly
different from all mean values of dead seeds, but non-
significant difference between the two mean values
(Table 5).
The variation of dead seeds might be due to the new
generation seeds that were emerged from the long stored
seeds did not nourish the young seedlings sufficiently,
because the long stored seeds are reduced in food source
as a result of deterioration. This leads to the new
generation seeds did not contain initial nutrient for survival.
Furthermore, seeds which emerged from lower plant
population have a chance for proper resource utilization.
As a result the seed built properly and contain ingredients
that able to the seed germinate faster and grow as a
normal plant by resisting any adverse environmental
condition, because the seed capable to nourish the young
seedlings without scarcity of initial nutrients.
Table 5: Interaction effect of storage period, plant
population and variety on the percentage of dead
seeds of common bean varieties
Storage period
(month)
Treatments
Plant
population (ha-
1)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
45 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
0.7176b 0.7581
a
0.707
1b
180000(10 x 40
cm)
0.7510a 0.7106
b
0.710
6b
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
0.7106b 0.7071
b
0.707
1b
33 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
0.7141b 0.7071
b
0.710
6b
180000(10 x 40
cm)
0.7140b 0.7106
b
0.710
6b
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
0.7071b 0.7106
b
0.707
1b
9 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
0.7210b 0.7106
b
0.714
1b
180000(10 x 40
cm)
0.7071b 0.7071
b
0.707
1b
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
0.7106b 0.7141
b
0.710
6b
LSD (5%) 0.0142
3
Grand mean 0.7138
6
Means in columns and rows followed by the same letter (s)
are not significantly different from each other at 5%
probability level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at
P=0.05 and CV= Cofiecent of varation.
On the other hand, the percentage of hard seeds was
significantly influenced by variety in which significantly
difference between the three mean values of 0.74, 0.78
and 0.89% observed in seed samples of Fadis, Haramaya
and Dursitu varieties, respectively (Table 6). The variation
on the number of hard seeds might be due to the nature of
the variety, which might be related with physiological
dormancy of the seed. This means that Physiological
dormancy prevents embryo growth and seed germination
until chemical changes occur for eliminating dormancy of
the seed. Carlos et al. (2015) observed that common bean
seed quality parameters such as germination, emergence
and seedling vigor can be controlled genetically through
dormancy.
The seed samples of the varieties, Haramaya and Fadis
had higher speed of germination mean values of 7.30 and
7.71 respectively, significantly different from the mean
values of Dursitu variety and between the two varieties of
mean values (Table 6). This was due to the fact that, larger
sized seeds have the ability to germinate faster than small
sized seeds. This finding was in agreement with, higher
and quicker germination on bigger sized seeds could be
due to the presence of higher amount of carbohydrates
and other nutrients than in medium and small sized seeds
because the nutrient carbohydrate give more energy for
the seed germinate faster (Gunaga et al., 2011).
Seedling vigor index I was significantly influenced by
storage period, variety and plant population in which
significantly different seedling vigor index I mean values of
2021 was observed in seed samples emerged from seeds
which stored for about 33 months. The variety Haramaya
had the highest mean values of 2235 seedling vigor index
I, significantly different from the mean values of Fadis and
Dursitu variety ,and within a plant population of
115200(12.5x40cm) the highest mean value of seedling
vigor index I (1974) was recorded (Table 6). This might due
to the variety Haramaya have the highest germination
percentage and seedling length whereas the variety
Dursitu have the lowest germination percentage and
seedling length, this results seedling vigor index I variation
between the two varieties. This indicates that seedling
vigor index I was directly related with seedling length and
germination percentage. Gore et al. (1997) reported that
higher seedling vigor index I was probably due to the
associated effect of germination Percentage and seedling
length.

7. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Table 6: Effect of seed storage period, variety and
plant population on speed of germination, seedling
vigor index I and hard seeds of common bean
varieties.
Storage period
(month)
Speed of
germination
Vigour
index I
hard
Seeds
45 6.410 1879b 0.8046
33 6.455 2021a 0.8139
9 6.576 1881b 0.8002
LSD (5%) NS 94.8 NS
Grand mean 6.480 0.8062
Haramaya 7.302b 2235a 0.7841b
Dursitu 4.429c 1461c 0.8992a
Fadis 7.709a 2086b 0.7354c
LSD (5%) 0.2874 94.8 0.027
Grand mean 6.480 0.8062
plant
population(ha-1)
32000(7.5x40cm) 6.404 1952a 0.7973
180000(10x40cm
)
6.590 1856b 0.7962
115200(12.5x40c
m)
6.446 1974a 0.8252
LSD (5%) NS 94.8 NS
Grand mean 6.480 1927 0.8062
Means in columns in each seed quality parameter and
main factor followed by the same letter(s) are not
significantly different from each other at 5% probability
level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at P=0.05, NS
= non-significant and CV=Cofiecent of varation.
Seedling vigor
The seed samples of Haramaya variety emerged from
seeds which were stored for about 45 months had the
highest mean values of 17.36cm seedling shoot length
significantly. Moreover, the variety Fadis had significantly
lower mean values of 10.70cm with in the same storage
duration, respectively, without significant differences
among mean values of in both aspects (Table 7). The
result of the three factors interaction might show that the
inherent characteristics of the varieties had much influence
on their mean values of seedling shoot length apart from
their interaction with plant population and seed in age. The
variation of seedling shoot length might be due to the
nature of the variety, even if those are found in the same
species. Plant population also have a role on seedling
shoot length, which means that secondary seeds which
emerged from the highest plant population have the
highest interims of seedling stem length than lower
population plants this was the results of mutation of gens
for stem height at the time of resource competition which
leads to inheritance of such characteristics for the
seedlings which have long stem length. This idea was in
agreement with the quantitative trait loci were detected for
mutation and associated with genes controlling fertility,
biotic and abiotic stress response, plant development and
morphology (Nagel et al., 2009).
Regarding normal seedlings percentage, the seed
samples of Fadis variety emerged from seeds which were
stored for about 45 months had significantly the highest
mean values of 88.18% normal seedlings percentage. And
the variety Dursitu had significantly lower mean values of
52.33%within the same storage duration respectively,
without significant differences among mean values in both
aspects of the other storage duration but significantly
difference in the irrespective of the varieties (Table 7). The
significance variation might be due to the nature of the
variety. This indicates that the variety Fadis can perform
very well and the variety Dursitu also low performance
ability interims of normal seedlings percentage genetically.
Table 7: Interaction effect of storage period and
variety on seedling shoots length and normal
seedlings
Seedling shoot
length
Normal seedlings
Storage period
(month)
Haram
aya
Dursit
u
Fadis Haram
aya
Dursit
u
Fadis
45 17.36a 17.33
a
10.70
d
62.21c 46.35
d
70.0
3a
33 17.17a 17.01
a
11.52
cd
68.79ab 48.46
d
69.6
5a
9 16.85a 15.36
b
12.48
c
67.05b 48.45
d
69.6
6a
LSD (5%) 1.154 2.46
Grand mean 15.09 61.18
Means in columns and rows in each seed quality
parameter followed by the same letter(s) are not
significantly different from each other at 5% probability
level. LSD (5%) =least significant difference at P=0.05 and
CV= Coeffiecent of variation.
Seedling root length was significantly influenced by the
interaction of the three main factors. The variety Fadis
produced from seeds which stored for about 45 followed
by 9 months at a plant population of 180000(10 x 40 cm)
and 320000 (7.5 x 40 cm) had the highest mean values of
14.13 and 12.44cm seedling root length, respectively,
significantly different from all mean values of root length in
each of the three factors interaction. Whereas seeds of the
variety Dursitu emerged from seeds which stored for about
9 months and a plant population of 180000 (10 x 40cm)
attain the lowest mean values of (7.77cm) seedling root
length, respectively (Table 8).
Longer time stored seeds might have more growth
hormones on the young root of the plant and accumulated
and depleted on it. This might lead to seedlings emerged
from longer time stored seeds produce long root than
seedlings emerged from shorter time stored seeds, and it
have been inherited to the second generation of seeds and
produce long root seedlings. The quantitative trait loci

8. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Mekonnen et al. 261
were detected for mutation and associated with genes
controlling fertility, biotic and abiotic stress response, plant
development and morphology (Nagel et al., 2009).
Table 8: Interaction effect of storage period, plant po
pulation and variety on seedling root Length of comm
on bean varieties
Storage period
(month)
Treatments
Plant
population (ha-
1)
Harama
ya
Dursitu Fadis
45 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
11.44cde 10.22def
gh
11.28cd
ef
180000(10 x
40 cm)
11.30cde
f
9.74bcdef
g
14.13a
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
8.90hij 11.34cd
ef
12.08bc
d
33 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
10.59cde
fgh
10.16def
gh
12.30ab
c
180000(10 x
40 cm)
10.54cde
fgh
9.74efghij 10.24def
gh
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
10.46cde
fgh
8.96hij 13.70ab
9 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
9.42fghij 10.63cd
efgh
12.44ab
c
180000(10 x
40 cm)
8.11ij 7.77j 11.10def
ghi
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
9.21ghij 9.20ghij 11.85bc
d
LSD (5%) 2.009
Grand mean 10.64
Means in columns and rows followed by the same letter(s
) are not significantly different from each other at 5%
probability level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at
P=0.05 and CV=Cofiecent of varation.
Seedling fresh weight was significantly influenced by the
interaction of the three main factors. Fadis variety
produced from seeds which stored for about 9 months at a
plant population of 115200 (12.5 x 40 cm), 180000(10 x 40
cm) and 320000 (7.5 x 40 cm) had the highest mean
values of 11.58, 12.20 and12.68g seedling fresh weight,
respectively, significantly different from all mean values of
seedling fresh weight. Whereas seeds of the variety
Dursitu emerged from seeds which stored for about 9
months and at a plant population of 115200 (12.5 x 40 cm)
achieve the lowest mean values of 5.25g seedling fresh
weight, respectively(Table 9). Regarding with seedling
fresh weight seedlings that was emerged from large sized
seeds have good vigor and stand than seedlings that was
emerged from small sized seeds because large sized
seeds have more nutrient accumulation inside. This able
to nourish the young seedlings sufficiently. Mohd et al.
(2004) observed that larger seed size results in good
seedling vigor and stand as a result greater seedling fresh
weight.
Table 9: Interaction effect of the storage period, plant
population and variety on seedling fresh weight of
common bean varieties
Storage period
(month)
Treatments
Plant
population (ha-
1)
Harama
ya
Dursitu Fadis
45 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
10.500b
cd
8.625ef 8.550ef
180000(10 x 40
cm)
9.850de 6.950gh
ij
10.375
bcd
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
10.702g
hij
7.875fg
h
10.703
bcd
33 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
8.500ef 6.700ab
cd
9.950cd
e
180000(10 x 40
cm)
8.075fgh 7.950fg
h
7.500fg
hi
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
7.950fgh 6.700hij
k
11.425
abc
9 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
7.175fghij 5.725jk 12.675
a
180000(10 x 40
cm)
8.200fg 6.150ijk 12.200
a
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
7.350fghi 5.250k 11.575
ab
LSD (5%) 1.476
Grand mean 8.56
Means in columns and rows followed by the same letter (
s) are not significantly different from each other at 5%
probability level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at
P=0.05 and CV=Cofiecent of varation.
Seedling vigor index II, The seed samples of Fadis variety
emerged from seeds that was stored for about 33 months
had the highest mean values of 1.37 significantly, in a plant
population of 320000 (7.5 x 40 cm), respectively. And
within the variety Dursitu a seed storage duration of 45
months and at a plant population of 180000(10 x 40 cm)
had the lowest mean values of 0.33 seedling vigor index II
(Table 10).This might be due to The variety Fadis have the
highest germination percentage and seedling dry weight
than the variety Dursitu this able to the variety Fadis results
from the highest seedling vigor index II (Table 10).
Seedling vigor can be measured through germination rate,
seedling length, root length, seedling fresh weight, dry
seedling weight and seedling vigor (Sun et al., 2007).
Verma (2014) also reported that the decrease in the seed
vigor index II may be due to the decline in germination
percentage as well as a decrease in dry seedling weight.

9. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 262
Table 10: Interaction effect of the storage period, plant
population and variety on seedling vigor index II of
common bean varieties
Storage period
(month)
Treatments
Plant
population (ha-
1)
Harama
ya
Dursit
u
Fadis
45 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
1.0305cd 0.452
0h
1.1815
bc
180000(10 x 40
cm)
0.7570fg 0.330
0h
1.1555
bc
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
0.7320g 0.453
0h
1.2090
ab
33 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
0.9445d
e
0.341h 1.3655
a
180000(10 x 40
cm)
0.7915ef
g
0.465
5h
1.0165
cd
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
0.8775d
efg
0.474
5h
1.2385
ab
9 320000 (7.5 x
40 cm)
0.7760fg 0.349
5h
1.2785
ab
180000(10 x 40
cm)
0.9010d
ef
0.341h 1.2530
ab
115200 (12.5 x
40 cm)
0.7570b 0.414h 1.2035
ab
LSD (5%) 0.167
4
Grand mean 0.818
Means in columns and rows followed by the same letter(s)
are not significantly different from each other at 5%
probability level. LSD (5%) = least significant difference at
P=0.05 and CV= Cofiecent of varation.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
In Ethiopia legumes are the major sources of protein where
common bean accounts for the largest proportion next to
faba bean and field pea. However, the productivity of the
crop in Ethiopia is much lower than the yields of other
common been producing countries of the world. This might
be attributed partly by the use of low quality seeds of
improved varieties, and production of the crop under
suboptimal or above the recommended plant population.
Therefore, this research was conducted to assess the
effect of duration of seed storage at ambient condition and
plant population on the seed quality, of common bean
varieties. The treatments were arranged a factorial
combination of three improved varieties (Haramaya,
Dursitu and Fadis), three storage periods (9, 33 and 45
months) and three plant populations (320000, 180000 and
115200 ha1). Generally, the research findings suggested
the importance of using seeds stored for short period of
time, optimum plant population and high yielding variety to
increase the seed quality of the crop in the study area. In
conclusion, it is recommended that the highest common
bean seed quality was observed when seeds stored for
short duration (nine months) in ambient conditions
irrespective of varieties with in lower or intermediate plant
populations. Moreover conducting further study on the
effect of farmers’ saved seeds and plant population from
both farmers’ cultivars and improved varieties on seed
quality of the crop is very important.
REFERENCES
Abdulbaki, A.A.andJ.D.Anderson.(1973).Vigor determinat
ion in Soybean by multiple criteria. African Journal of
Crop Science, 10:31-34.
Ali, K.,Gemechu, A.S.,M.R,Beniwal,S.Makkouk and
Halila.M. (2003). Food and forage legumes of Ethiopia;
Progress and prospects of food and forage legume
Proceeding of the workshop, 22-26 September 2003,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Bortey, H.M.,Sadia, A.O.,and Asibuo, J.Y. (2016).
Influence of Seed Storage Techniques on germinability
and Storability of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata
L).Journal of Agricultural Science, 8(10):41-48.
Carlos Eduardo, Marcos Antonio, Rosana Goncalves,
America Wagner and Claudio Horst.
(2015).Germination and emergence of passion fruit
(Passiflora edulis) seeds obtained by self- and open-
pollination Journal of agronomy, 37(4):89-93.
CRS.(2014). Introduction Improved Seed Storage Briefs.
Nairobi: Catholic Relief Services.
CSA (Central Stastical Agency). (2014). Agricultural
Sample survey, report on area production of majour
crops (private peasant holdings, Meher season).
Addis Ababa statistical Bulletin 578.Edition. John
Wiley and Sons, New York.
Fekadu Gurmu. (2013). Assessment of Farmers’ Criteria
for Common Bean Variety selection: The case of
Umbullo Watershed in Sidama Zone of the Southern
Region of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal for research and
innovation foresight, l5:4- 13.
Fekadu Gurmu. (2007). Participatory Varietal Selection of
Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties in
Umbullo Wacho and BeresaWatersheds in the
Southern Region. In: Proceedings of Irish Aid
Supported Operational Research Review Workshop
11-13 January 2007. Hawassa University, Hawassa,
Ethiopia.
Frehiwot M. (2010). Profile of Haricot bean production,
supply, demand and marketing issues in Ethiopia,

10. Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia
Mekonnen et al. 263
Ethiopia Commodity Exchange Authority, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ghassemi, k. (1992). Effect of seed quality on Cereal
Yields University of, Reading UK PhD Thesis.pp.264.
Gomez, K.T. and A.A.Gomez.(1984).Statistical
Procedures for Agricultural Research, 2nd Edition.
John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Gore, S.V., R.B. Patil and G. R. Wankhade. (1997). Effect
of maturity period and harvesting time on seed quality
in soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars. Seed Res. 25
(1): 45-49.
Gunaga, R.P., Doddabasava and R.Vasudeva. (2011).
Influence of seed size on germination and seedling
growth in Mammae Suriga, Karantaka Journal of
Agriculture Science, 24:15-16.
Hacisalihoglu, G.D., dwinr, and Longo.(2005). Inferential
Response of common bean genotypes to mycorrhizal
colonization. Proceeding of Horticultural science,
18:150-152.
Hojjat,S.S. (2011).Effect of seed size on germination and
seedling growth of some Lentil genotypes international
Journal of Agriculture, crop science, 3.
ISTA (International Seed Testing Association). (2014).
International Rules for Seed Testing, Journal of
Agricultural Science China 6:60-66.
Jyoti, C and Malik, P. (2013). International journal of life
science biotechnology pharema research Hyderabad
India a review on seed deterioration: 2 (3).
Kristin,A.S.,Serna,R.R.,Perez,F.I.,Enriquez,
B.C.,Gallegos.J.A.A, Vallejo, P.R.,Wassimin, Kelley
J.D. 1997. Improving common bean performance
under drought stress. Crop Science, 37:43-
50.Kumar,G.and Rai, P.K. (2009). Genetic repairing
through storage of gamma irradiated seeds in maize
(Zea mays L.) inbred. Turkish Journal of Biology, 33:
195-204.
Legesse DG, Kumssa T, Assefa M, Taha J, Gobena T,
Alemaw A, Abebe Y, Mohhamed, Terefe H.(2006).
Production and Marketing of White Pea Beans in the Rift
Valley, Ethiopia, National Bean Research Program of
Ethiopia.
Matthews,P.W.,E.L.Armstrong,C.J.Lisle,I.D.Menz,P.L.Sh
ephardandB.C.Armstrong.(2008). The effect of faba
bean plant population on yield, seed quality and plant
architecture under irrigation in southern NSW. Australia
Crop Agronomy Journal,23: 40-43.
MoARD.(2010). Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development. Crop Variety Register Issue no.8.
Mohd AL.,Munir A., Abdel Rahman M.(2004). Effect of
Seed Size and Plant Population Density on Yield and
Yield Components of Local Faba Bean (Vicia faba L)
international journal of agriculture & biology, (6):2.
Mwale,M.V.,M.J.Bokosi1,M.C.Masangano, M.B.
Kwapata1, V.H.Kabambe and C. Miles.(2008). Yield
performance of dwarf bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines
under researcher designed 48 farmer managed system
in three bean agro-ecological zones of Malawi. African
Journal, 20 (16): 47-53.
Nagel, M.,Vogel, H.,Landjeva, S., Buck-Sorlin,
G.,Lohwasser, U., Scholz, U. and Borner, A.
(2009).Seed conservation in exist gene banks genetic
studies on longevity in barley, Euphytica 17:5-14.
Popovic,T.,Starovic,M.,Aleksic, G., Zivkovic, S., Josic, D.,
Ignjatov, M. and Milovanovic, (.2012). Response of
different beans against common bacterial blight disease
caused by Xanthomonas
axonopodisPhaseolis.Bulgariea Journal of Agriculture.
Science, 18:701-707.
Sun.,J.Wang.B.Sun.(2007).Advances on seed vigor
physiology and genetic mechanisms. Journal of
Agricultural Science China 6:60-66.
Teshale Assefa, Girma Abebe, Chemeda Fininsa, Bulti
Tesso and Abdel Rahman Tawaha. (2005). Participatory
Bean Breeding with Women and Small Holder Farmers
in Eastern Ethiopia. World Journal of Agricultural
Sciences, 1:28-30.
Tessbo M.,H.Ogindo and S.Walker.(2004).Yield evaluation
of maize and bean intercropping the effect of faba bean
plant population on yield, seed quality and plant
architecture under irrigation in southern NSW. Australia
Crop Agronomy Journal, 23: 40-43.
Verma, O.andVerma R.S. (2014). Effect of seed coating
material and storage containers on germination and
seedling vigor of soybean (Glycine max L.).SAARC
Journal of Agriculture, 12(2):16-24.
Verma,S.S.,Tomer, R.P.S and Verma U.2003.Loss of
viability and vigor in Indian mustard seeds stored under
ambient conditions, Seed Research,31:98-101.
Accepted 12 September 2020
Citation: Mekonnen G, Wassu M and Bulti T (2020). Effect
of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition and Plant
Population on Seed Quality of Common bean (Phaseolus
vulgaris L.) Varieties at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia World
Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 7(2): 254-263.
Copyright: © 2020 Mekonnen et al. This is an open-
access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original author and source are cited.