Seed development stages of kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.) genotypes in Turkey

Abstract

This research determined the stages of kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.) seed development in Samsun province, Turkey, between 2002 and2003. Plants of inbred kale lines (55TE07, 55TK09, 52PE09, 61ÇY01 and 67DE01) were grown. On the basis of seed and embryo colour, seed morphology (seed length, seed width and embryo length), seed development can be divided into 7 discrete but contiguous stages. The germination rate of inbred lines was at its maximum, or near to its maximum, until the seed moisture declined to 50%. Germination rates reached a maximum level at 65 days after pollination (DAP). It was concluded that kale seeds should be harvested when pods became brown in stage 7 (65 DAP). This study will be used for comparisons with seed development in other Brassica species. kale. The identification of distinct morphological and physiological characteristics is an important initial step in the study of seed development in a species. Hence for researchers to be able to compare data on seed development, reference points other than time after pollination are essential (REN, BEWLEY 1998). As a prelude to the study of kale seeds, it was necessary to identify the distinct morphological characteristics of each stage and to define the stages of seed development chronologically. MATERIAL AND METHODS Plant husbandry and seed harvestThis research was carried out in the field and in the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, from September 2002 to October 2003. There are no registered kale varieties in Turkey (ANONYMOUS 2004). Therefore, local kale populations are commonly used in kale production (Fig. 1). For this reason, plants of inbred kale lines (55TE07, 55TK09, 52PE09, 61ÇY01 and 67DE01) developed by the breeding studies of BALKAYA et al. (2001) were used in this research.Seeds were sown in seedling trays on 5 September 2002 and seedlings were transplanted on October 10 when they reached the stage of 4-5 expanded leaves. Plant spacing was 40 cm between rows and 30 cm within rows. Standard fertilization and weed control practices were used.Inbred lines (8 plants) were cultivated in an isolation cage. The plants began flowering in April-May. Each genotype was openpollinated under isolation. Although the selected inbred lines required the same length of time to complete the various stages of seed development, there were some variations among seeds on the same plant or even within a single silique. Siliques were harvested at intervals of 3 days after anthesis. Thus, seeds at different development stages were collected at intervals of 3 days, according to their DAP and then selected by their colour and size, according to staging standards. Measurement of the physical characteristics of seeds and embryosDeveloping seeds at different stages were collected and the characteristics of representative seeds and embryos were described. The siliques used to determine the seed characteristics were immersed in an FAA solution prepared with 20 cc formaldehyde, 25 c...

Seed Development in Lesquerella fendleri (L.)

“…The dehydration is an inherent phase of seed development (McIlrath et al, 1963), a sign of maximum maturity and onset of a quiescent state. The three major periods outlined by distinctive changes in fresh and dry weight and water content in L. fendleri seed development are similar to other plants such as castor (Chen et al, 2004;Greenwood and Bewley, 1982), Arabidopsis (Baud et al, 2002), Brassica oleracea (Demir and Balkaya, 2005;Gurusamy and Thiagarajan, 1998), and Brassica napus (Norton and Harris, 1975).…”

Effect of time of harvest on physiological maturity and kenaf (Hibiscus canabinus) seed quality

“…From the study, kenaf seeds reach highest viability values in both years (PM) at 35 days after flowering, a period when developing seed reaches its maximum dry weight and the quality declines thereafter. Seed maturation in kenaf is an important process during which morphological (seed size and colour), physiological (dry weight, moisture content and germination), chemical (oil, protein and carbohydrate) and functional (vigor and viability) change from the time of fertilization until the seed are ready for harvest (Demir and Balkaya, 2005).…”

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

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

“…Seed maturation in oilseed rape is an important process during which morphological (seed size and color), physiological (dry weight, moisture content and germination), chemical (oil, protein and carbohydrate) and functional (vigor and viability) changes occur from the time of fertilization until the seeds are ready for harvest (Şeker, 2002;Demir and Balkaya, 2005). Maximum seed weight (mass maturity) occurred at 48-54 days after flowering, depending on cultivar (Fig.…”

“…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).…”