Physicochemical comsposition of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed under different storage temperature

Kenaf is an annual plant grown for its fibre which basically depend on the seed viability, for its maximum growth and production. The seed viability and vigor in turn depend on storage condition. There is insufficient information on physicochemical composition of kenaf seed in relation to seed viability. The present study was performed to know the physicochemical composition of the kenaf seed at different storage temperature in other to improve upon rapid loss of seed viability in kenaf. Four varieties of kenaf seed were obtained from I.A.R. & T seed unit. The seeds were stored at 00C (Unviable seed), 2.20C (Lower temperature), 350C (Ambient temperature), 280C (Cold room temperature which serve as control) for period of 8 months. Seed germination test and weight was performed  before and after the experiment.  Proximate analysis (Crude protein, Moisture, Carbohydrate, Ash, Crude fibre, Crude fat) and Phytochemicals (Total phenolics, Steroid and Total Flavonoids were also determined). The result shows that there is significant difference in all the parameters studied, for all the storage temperatures as compared with the control (280C) among the varieties except from ifeken 100 where the was no significant difference in Crude fibre and Ash  content for seed under ambient temperature as compared with the control. However, the level of tolerance to different storage temperature among the varieties following the order Ifeken 400 >Tianung 2 > Cuba 108>Ifeken 100.Keywords: Kenaf, Storage, Seed germination, Seed weight, Temparature, Seed viability, Proximate, Flavonoid, Phenolics.