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

Abstract

This researchdetermined the stages of kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.) seed development in Samsun province, Turkey, between 2002 and 2003. 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.