Changes in germination and potential longevity of watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)seeds during development

Abstract

Changes in germination and potential seed longevity (K i of the viability equation) were monitored during the development of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds grown in warm (minimum and maximum temperatures were 16.8 and 40.1°C) and cool (9.8 and 35.1°C) sites in 2002. Maximum seed weight (mass maturity, end of seed filling phase) was attained 25 days after anthesis (DAA) under both growing conditions. However, maximum germination was observed at 30 DAA in both sites. Potential seed longevity was achieved at 45 and 40 DAA, which were 20 and 15 days after mass maturity (the time of maximum seed dry weight) in warm and cool sites, respectively. When the maximum quality was achieved, fruit flesh was pale red, red, and 98-100% of the seeds were brown coloured. Seed dry mass and maximum potential longevity were consistently greater in cool than in warm growing sites. Dried seeds had higher germination percentages than those of fresh ones until mass maturity (25 DAA) at both sites.

Qualidade fisiológica de sementes das pimentas malagueta e biquinho durante a ontogênese

“…A máxima qualidade fisiológica, obtida neste trabalho em sementes colhidas em torno dos 70 DAA, está de acordo com a hipótese de que ela é atingida próximo ao final do período de acúmulo de matéria seca, conforme Welbaum & Bradford (1988) e Demir et al (2004).…”

Physiological changes and sHSPs genes relative transcription in relation to the acquisition of seed germination during maturation of hybrid rice seed

“…Maximum seed quality of sponge gourd was acquired 7 days after the attainment of the highest dry weight . Some researchers used other indicators, such as like colour or melanin content of seed coat, as the sign of seed quality changes . The optimum harvest time with high germination values and vigour in maize seed measured by the cold test and electrical conductivity (EC) test was at half‐milking stage in which the seed moisture content was about 40%, instead of physiological maturity with maximum seed dry weight in Gansu province, China .…”

The relationship between seed coat color and seed quality in watermelon Crimson sweet

“…Even in the same growing period, watermelon seeds may have different seed coat colors (Demir et al 2004). It was reported that for a quality seed, watermelon fruits should be harvested 40-45 days after anthesis (Nerson 2002, Demir et al 2004.…”

“…It was reported that for a quality seed, watermelon fruits should be harvested 40-45 days after anthesis (Nerson 2002, Demir et al 2004. In watermelon production performed by the seed producers, seeds of the fruits of different growing periods are collected and mixed.…”

“…However, the changes in seed coat colors in seed development were subjectively observed by Demir et al (2004) with naked eye. It was reported that seeds of different colors can be found among the fruits in the same development stage.…”