Effect of seed maturity on germination and seedling growth of Physalis peruviana (L.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of seed maturity on germination and seedling growth of cape\rgooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.). Seeds extracted from the fruits harvested at three stages of fruit development i.e. S1 - 49 days\rafter fruit set, S2 - 56 days after fruit set and S3 - 63 days after fruit set and used for germination test and growth analysis of the\rseedlings. Results revealed that highest germination (93.86 %) was in the seeds those extracted from 56 days after fruits set (S2),\rfollowed by S3 - 63 days after fruit set (86.39%), while minimum germination (80.71 %) was observed in the seeds of 49 days\rmaturity (S1). Seeds extracted from 56 days after fruit set exhibited better seedling growth in terms of higher shoot length, root\rlength, collar thickness, number of leaves and leaf area, however, the results were at par with S3 treatment. Dry matter accumulation\rin the seedlings was also highest in the seedling those raised from the seeds extracted at 56 days after fruit set.