Optimum Harvest Time of Vicia cracca in Relation to High Seed Quality during Pod Development

Abstract

Shattering during harvest is a major problem in seed production of Vicia cracca (L.). The aim of this study was to evaluate a simple empirical relationship and determine optimum harvest time by simultaneously analyzing pod and seed morphological and physiological properties, as well as seed quality. Pods were harvested at three‐day intervals from peak anthesis until shattering. Pod and seed sizes from 36 to 42 d after peak anthesis (DAPA) were significantly smaller than at other sampling dates after reaching maximum size. Pods and seeds lost their green color and turned light brown and black, respectively from 36 to 42 DAPA. Seed dry weight (DWT) reached maximum values, and seed moisture content (SMC) reached the minimum and suitable values, respectively from 36 to 42 DAPA. Seeds reached maximum percent germination and germination rate at about 36 DAPA. Thus, V. cracca can be harvested six days before shattering (shattering begins at 42 DAPA) without affecting yield.

Genetic Dissection of Seed Production Traits and Identification of a Major‐Effect Seed Retention QTL in Hybrid Leymus (Triticeae) Wildryes

“…However, high‐quality seed for native grasses and other wild plants is difficult and expensive to produce (Dunne and Dunne, 2003; Cole and Johnston, 2006). Many native plants display active mechanisms of seed shattering that create a multitude of problems when these species are cultivated for seed (Berdahl and Frank, 1998; Kennard et al, 2002; Lemke et al, 2003; Bedane et al, 2005; Wang et al, 2008). Seed shattering can dramatically reduce yield if harvests are delayed for any reason, but the seed quality can be compromised if harvested before physiological maturity.…”

Comparison of Seed Viability Among 42 Species Stored in a Genebank

“…The environmental factors influencing longevity include parental (pre-zygotic and post-zygotic) environment (Daws et al, 2004), timing of harvest (Wang et al, 2008), postharvest processing (Hay et al, 2006), and storage environment, especially, temperature and relative humidity (Roberts & Ellis, 1989;Walters, 1998). Seed structure and climate of origin are also known genetic factors related to seed (Probert et al, 2009).…”

Development of Seed Physiological Quality in Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Cultivars

“…Harvesting too early may result in low yield and quality, because of the partial development of essential structures of seeds (Keller and Kollmann, 1999;Elias and Copeland, 2001;Ekpong and Sukprakarn, 2008;Wang et al, 2008). Whereas, harvesting too late may increase the risk of shattering and decrease the quality of seeds due to ageing.…”

“…Whereas, harvesting too late may increase the risk of shattering and decrease the quality of seeds due to ageing. Adverse environmental conditions such as raining may also result in sprouting of seeds on mother plants (Ellis and Pieta Filho, 1992;Elias and Copeland, 2001;Wang et al, 2008). Therefore, successful seed production depends on detection and implication of optimal time of harvesting.…”

“…Therefore, successful seed production depends on detection and implication of optimal time of harvesting. This time is a pre requisite for the production of maximum number of high quality seeds (Demir and Balkaya, 2005;Wang et al, 2008).…”