Effect of seed size and position of seeds in pod on the seed vigour of fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis Hook)

Abstract

Selection of high-quality seeds is important for optimum productivity of fluted pumpkin. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seed position in pod and size of seeds on the vigour of fluted pumpkin seeds. It was a 3 x 3 factorial combination of 3 seed position in pod viz: anterior, middle and posterior section (close to pedicel) and three seed sizes viz: (big, medium and small). These were arranged in completely randomized design with five replicates. Data were collected on number of days to emergence, percentage emergence, emergence rate index. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (using Statistical Analysis System SAS) version of 9.2. The results showed that the first emergence count was observed at 7 days after sowing (DAS) in big and medium seeds. Anterior seeds consistently had the highest emergence percentage at 12-19 DAS. Anterior seeds had the highest emergence rate index value statistically similar to the value recorded in the middle seeds. The medium sized seeds had the significantly highest emergence rate index. It can therefore be concluded that medium sized seeds extracted from the anterior and middle position of fluted pumpkin pods has the potential to give more vigorous seedlings in a non-stressed environment.