This study was to determine the effectof seed treatment and packaging material on enzyme activities of maize seeds during ambient storage conditions. Seeds of three different varieties of maize (HQPM-1, HQPM-7 and BIO-9681) were obtained from DMR (Directorate of Maize Research), Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The experiment consists of treatments viz control, synthetic polymer (polyselect™ 539C Blue sparkle) @ 9ml kg-1 , biocide (Neem oil) @ 10ml kg-1 and fungicide (Carbendazim) 12% @ kg-1 maize hybrid seeds were treated as per the above treatments, packed in cloth bags and plastic bags (700 gauge) and stored for 18 months respectively under ambient temperature condition. Assessment of seed germination and enzyme activities were performed with three month intervals. The results revealed that, the seed treatment with Neem oil and Carbendazim showed significant maximum germination percentage and marginal variation on enzyme activities such as amylase, peroxidase and catalase. Catalase and amylase activities increased, as germination declined, whereas, peroxidase activity decreased during storage period for all conditions, respectively. Seed germination percentage declined progressively over the period of storage more in plastic bag (approximately 29% decline) than in cloth bag (approximately 27% decline). | Enzymatic activity of hybrid maize cultivar seeds stored in different packaging materials under ambient conditions with different seed coatings
