Germinability and seedling vigor of pearl millet seeds harvested at different stages of maturity

摘要

The effect of seed maturity on germinability and seedling vigor was studied in four cytoplasmic male sterile lines of pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R. Br.). The male sterile plants were crossed with pollen from respective maintainer lines, and developing seeds at different stages of maturity were harvested. Fresh weight of seeds increased gradually to a maximum in 28?35 days and then decreased. Maximum dry-matter accumulation in grain occurred at 28?35 days after pollination when the average moisture content was 22.7%. Seeds of some lines harvested at 10 days after pollination germinated, but the highest percentage germination was observed at 35 days in all lines. The maximum mean seedling vigor occurred at 35 days and coincided with the maximum dry weight of the seeds. Germplasm collectors can collect germinable seeds much earlier than the time of accumulation of maximum dry matter. However, for conservation, it is desirable to store mature seeds with maximum germination and vigor.