Influence of seed ripeness, sarcotesta, drying and storage on germinability of papaya (Carica papaya L.) seed
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a popular tropical fruit which is propagated by seed. However, germination and the procurement of good seedlings are difficult in this species due to the nature of the seed. Thus a series of studies to evaluate the influence of fruit maturity, sarcotesta and drying on...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Universiti Putra Malaysia Press
1995
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| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3338/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3338/1/Influence_of_Seed_Ripeness%2C_Sarcotesta%2C_Drying_and_Storage_on_Germinability.pdf |
| Summary: | Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a popular tropical fruit which is propagated by seed. However, germination and
the procurement of good seedlings are difficult in this species due to the nature of the seed. Thus a series of studies
to evaluate the influence of fruit maturity, sarcotesta and drying on germination and production of healthy
seedlings was carried out. The characteristics of papaya seed change with fruit maturity. Speed of germination
increases with fruit maturity. Thus, the best seed for germination and for the the procurement of healthy seedlings
is obtained from ripe or over-ripe fruits. The presence of the sarcotesta reduces germination and increases the
number of abnormal seedlings. Incorporation of the sarcotesta in the germination medium of papaya or rice seeds
did not inhibit their germination. This suggests that inhibition is caused by the intact sarcotesta rather than
inhibitors derived from it. Drying papaya seeds under shade and ambient temperature maintained germinability
to a greater degree than when seeds were desiccated in ovens. The reduction of seed moisture below 10% reduced
germination significantly, indicating an intermediate behaviour pattern for papaya seeds in contrast to orthodox
or recalcitrant seeds. |
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