Physiological seed quality in relation to maturity stage in two pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars

Production of high quality seeds depends upon the appropriate time of harvest. In this study, variation in physiological seed quality in relation to maturity stage was assessed in two pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars (Legon 18 and BAG 14/001) which have different fruit shapes and sizes. Fruits were harvested at four maturity stages (i.e. initially ripe, half ripe, fully ripe and rotten) and seeds extracted after each harvest. Seed quality was assessed by 100-seed weight, seed vigour and germination percentage. The results showed that the seeds extracted at the initially ripe stage had the lowest 100-seed weight in both cultivars. Whereas, seeds extracted at the fully ripe and rotten stages gave higher vigour and germination percentage than those harvested at the initial and half ripe stage in both cultivars. Also, the seeds extracted from Legon 18 had higher viability than BAG 14/001 at all maturity stages.