Development of Moonflower (Ipomoea alba L.) Seeds

Abstract

The development of moonflower seeds was investigated to determine the optimum seed harvesting time. Flowers were tagged and fruits were harvested at 10, 14, 18, ..., 54 days after anthesis (DAA). At 10-38 DAA, seed dry weight increased sharply and seed moisture content was high. Maximum dry weight was reached at 30 DAA (383.2 mg/seed) which was the physiological maturity (PM). However, seeds at PM did not germinate and seed moisture content was relatively high at 51.53%. At 42 DAA, fruits began to dry and turned brown while seed colour changed to light yellow. Seed dry weight decreased and seed germination occurred at 36.25%. Maximum germination percentages were shown at 46 and 50 DAA at 57.50 and 56.25%, and seed moisture contents at 17.01 and 12.54%, respectively. However, dead and hard seeds were also found at 28.75% and 2.50%, respectively at 46 DAA; and at 8.75% and 22.5%, respectively at 50 DAA. High percentage (85%) of hard seeds occurred at 54 DAA. Therefore, moonflower seeds should be harvested at 46-50 DAA.