Changes in seed quality during seed development and maturation in tomato

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Abstract
Changes in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumMill.) seed quality were monitored during seed development and maturation in glasshouse experiments in 2 years. The end of the seedfilling period (mass maturity) occurred 35–41 d after anthesis (differing among trusses) in 1989 and 42 d after anthesis in 1990. Seed moisture contents at this developmental stage were 53–72% (wet basis), while the onset of ability to germinate (during 21-d tests at 20°/30°C) and the onset of tolerance to rapid enforced desiccation occurred just before (1990) or just after (1989) mass maturity. In 1989, seed quality was assessed primarily by seedling size in a glasshouse experiment; maximum mean seedling dry weight 25 d after sowing was not achieved until 24–40 d after mass maturity. In 1990, seed quality was assessed primarily by germination following storage; maximum normal germination after 35 d in storage at 40 °C with 14 ± 0.5% moisture content was attained 23 d after mass maturity, but with little difference among seed lots harvested 10 d earlier or up to 30 d later. The results contradict the hypothesis that maximum seed quality is attained at the end of the seed-filling period and that seed viability and vigour begin to decline immediately thereafter.