Changes in potential seed longevity and seedling growth during seed development and maturation in marrow

摘要: Marrow (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed quality was monitored during development and maturation in 2 years. Mass maturity (end of the seed-filling phase) attained 61–63 d 54 after anthesis 1989 1990, respectively, when moisture contents had declined to 40–48% (wet basis). Considerable dormancy encountered standard germination tests, but overcome by decoating seeds. The ability dried, decoated seeds germinate normally tests reached near maximal values shortly mass maturity; these were more or less maintained from subsequent harvests. Maximum longevity air-dry storage detected harvested 24 (1989) 26–31 (1990) maturity. Seedling dry weights 15 sowing greatest for 2–22 (basal fruits) 14 (apical 1989, positively correlated (P 0.25) absolute seedling size did (P<0.005); 21–31 weight also growth rate (in terms) at any one time sowing. Decline (when assessed both potential growth) not until final harvest interval 1990 (85–90 anthesis, 31–36 maturity). These results marrow contradict aspects general hypothesis that is end phase viability vigour begin decline thereafter.