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Optimum Harvest Time of Vicia cracca in Relation to High Seed Quality during Pod Development

Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University; Key Lab. of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, P.R. China, 130024

^* Corresponding author (mucs821{at}nenu.edu.cn).

Shattering during harvest is a major problem in seed production of Vicia cracca (L.). The aim of this study was to evaluate a simple empirical relationship and determine optimum harvest time by simultaneously analyzing pod and seed morphological and physiological properties, as well as seed quality. Pods were harvested at three-day intervals from peak anthesis until shattering. Pod and seed sizes from 36 to 42 d after peak anthesis (DAPA) were significantly smaller than at other sampling dates after reaching maximum size. Pods and seeds lost their green color and turned light brown and black, respectively from 36 to 42 DAPA. Seed dry weight (DWT) reached maximum values, and seed moisture content (SMC) reached the minimum and suitable values, respectively from 36 to 42 DAPA. Seeds reached maximum percent germination and germination rate at about 36 DAPA. Thus, V. cracca can be harvested six days before shattering (shattering begins at 42 DAPA) without affecting yield.

Abbreviations: AAT, accelerated aging test • CT, cold test • DAPA, days after peak anthesis • DWT, dry weight • EC, electrical conductivity • GDD, growing degree days • PHS, percentage of hard seed • SA, seed age • SGT, standard germination test • SMC, seed moisture content

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Received for publication April 14, 2007.