Effect of harvesting stages on seed quality beniseed (Sesamum indicum L.).

Abstract

In order to determine the appropriate harvesting time for optimum seed physiological quality (germination and vigour) in sesame, a study was conducted at the Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna. seeds of two varieties (Ex-sudan and Kenana 04) of beniseed were sourced from National Cereals Research Institute Baddegi (NCRI). Mass seed production was carried out at the University's Teaching and Research Farm during the 2019 Cropping season. Pods were harvested at four pod colour stages (green, greenish-yellow, yellow and brown). Harvested pods were taken to Crop Production Department Laboratory for seed extraction, drying and seed quality test. Extracted seeds were stored at 40C and 80% relative humidity to accelerate the ageing. Germination test was carried out in four replication, placing 50 seeds each on distilled water moistened filter paper in Petri-dishes at 30C. Germination count was taken every-other-day for 14 days. Germination index and germination rate index were also estimated as aspects of seed vigour. Seeds harvested when pods were yellow showed superiority in germination and other vigour parameters from 8 weeks after storage and afterward. The values recorded in seeds of yellow pods harvest were however not significantly greater than those of greenish-yellow pod harvest but significantly higher than those of green and brown pod harvests. It is therefore, concluded that seeds harvested when pods were yellow are better in quality than those harvested at other pod colour stages.