Effect of harvest maturity and drying method on okra seed quality

Demir İ., Ermiş S.

Seed technology, vol.27, no.1, pp.81-88, 2005 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2005
  • Journal Name: Seed technology
  • Page Numbers: pp.81-88
  • Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The effect of seed maturity at harvest and slow and fast drying methods on okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L). Moench.] germination and seed vigor wer studied. Fruits were harvested 25,30,35,40 and 45 days after anthesis (DAA in 2002 and 2003 and seeds were either threshed immediately after harvest and dried at 20 °C for 72 hours (fast drying method) or allowed to remain in the fruits for 10 days at 20 ± 2 °C, then threshed and dried (slow drying method) Seed quality at each stage was assessed by speed of radicle protrusion, standard germination, 5-day germination count, accelerated aging test and seedling emergence percentages along with changes in seed color, moisture and weight. Initial seed moisture content varied between 66.0 and 13.6% and 62.7 and 14.8% in harvests of 2002 and 2003, respectively. Maximum seed dry weight (57-60 mg/seed) occurred at 30 DAA regardless of the drying method used. Maximum standard germination, 5-day germination count and seedling emer gence percentages occurred at 30 DAA and coincided with maximum seed dry weight when seeds were slow dried within the fruit, but occurred 10-15 days later (40—45 DAA) if they were threshed and dried immediately after harvest. Results showed that threshing okra seeds following slow drying in the fruits increased seed weight in early harvest and improved seed quality at maturity