Effect of maturity stages on seed quality of two tomato accessions

Abstract

Seed maturation is one of the main factors that determine vegetable seed quality, which is a prerequisite for successful germination and seedling emergence. The objective of this study was to evaluate maturity stages and their effect on seed quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) accessions. A field and laboratory studies were conducted at the experimental site of CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso, Ghana using two tomato accessions, GH 9207 and GH 9305. Seeds were extracted from fruits harvested at four maturity stages, namely, initially ripe, half ripe, fully ripe and rotten. Before seed extraction, data on fruit characteristics, including fruit diameter, fruit length and fruit weight were recorded. Seed quality was assessed by 100-seed weight, seed vigour and germination percentage. Tomato accession GH 9207 had a larger fruit diameter and weight than GH 9305. Both accessions did not differ in 100-seed weight among treatments. Higher seed vigour and germination percentage was observed in tomato accession GH 9207 than in GH 9305. Seeds extracted at the initially ripe stage had the least vigour in both accessions. Tomato seeds of high vigour and germination can be obtained from fruits harvested at half ripe, fully ripe and rotten stages irrespective of the accession.

Key Words:  Germination percentage, maturity stage, seed quality, seed vigour, Solanum lycopersicum