Seed production environment and genetic makeup are factors that can affect seed quality of different crop species however, the effect of seed production environment on seed viability and seedling vigour attributes of pigeon pea genotypes in a modified environment (180C,rh+ 35%) was investigated. Dry seed samples from 30 pigeon pea genotypes used for the study were collected from derived savanna (Ibadan) and rainforest (Ife) Nigeria. They were cleaned, sorted, and conditioned to the moisture content of 10-12%. Seed samples were drawn from each experimental unit at 60-day intervals for 300days after storage for seed quality evaluation (seed viability, mean germination time, seedling vigour index). Data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means separation was done using Tukey’s HSD at a 5 % probability test. The study concluded that highly significant variation existed among the genotypes, storage times, seed production environment and their interactions. The mean performance of these genotypes revealed that NSWCC-19, NSWCC-7D, NSWCC-50, TCC-1, TCC-2, TCC-8 and TCC-8111 showed distinct seed viability and seedling vigour index across the seed storage durations. It is recommended that seed storage should not surpass 180 days (6 months) under ambient conditions (300C, Rh+ 58%) and 240days (8 months) for the maintenance of the highest quality.

Keywords: Genotype; seed deterioration; storage durations; seed storage environment; seed quality