ISHS Acta Horticulturae 215: Seed Research in Horticulture
SOME TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND MATURATION OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA L.) SEEDS |
| Authors: | M.B.Mohd. Lassim, H.F. Chin |
| Abstract:
Cowpea seeds were harvested on every other day, beginning on the third day after anthesis. Several measurements - size, moisture content, dry weight, germination and vigour - were taken to ascertain the time required from the time of anthesis to seed maturity. It was found that seeds become physiologically mature 19 days after anthesis. Maximum seed size was reached 15 days after anthesis and it declined somewhat thereafter. Seed moisture content was high (90.4%) initially but it decreased rather rapidly with time after anthesis, levelling off at approximately 20.6%. Seed moisture content was directly influenced by environmental factors. Seed dry weight increased very strongly during the first few days after anthesis and attained its maximum value 19 days after anthesis. Thereafter it stabilized for a couple of days and then began to decline. Seeds were capable of germination as early as 13 days after anthesis and germinability increased with the time after anthesis, attaining its maximum 17 days after anthesis. Vigour test results showed that seeds were most vigourous when they have attained maximum dry weight. | |
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