PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF CUCUMBER SEEDS, CV PEROLA, AT DIFFERENT FRUIT AGES AND POSTHARVEST RESTING PERIODS

This work was carried out at the Fazenda Experimental Lageado, at Botu catu, SP, to evaluate the physiological quality of cucumber (Cucumis s ativus L.), seeds harvested at different fruit maturity stages and pos t-harvest resting periods. Fruits of cultivar Perola were harvested at 6 ages (20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 days after anthesis) and they were stored at room temperature for 0, 5, 10 or 15 days before seed extract ion. After this, seeds were fermented for 2 days, washed and dried. Ex ternal visual characteristics of fruits and seeds were observed at har vest. Seed quality was evaluated as for moisture, dry matter content, dimensions, germination, and vigour. Results showed that seed germinat ion and vigour increased in fruits aging from 20 to 40 days. Post-harv est periods improved seed quality of 20-day old fruits not reaching th e seed quality levels observed in 40 or 45-day old fruits, without pos t-harvest resting period. Seeds from fruits at 25, 30 and 35 days of a ge, with 10 or 15 days of post-harvest resting period reached the same quality levels of seeds from fruits with 40-45 days old.