THE EFFECT OF MATURITY AND STORAGE ON THE VIABILITY OF PEPPER SEEDS PEIPER NIGRUM L.)

MUHAMAD GHAWAS BIN MAAROF

SUMMARY

The effect of berry maturity (green, yellowish-green and red) and storage period of peeled and unpeeled berries of pepper on viabiiity was studied. Fresh berries were packed and sealed in clear polythene bag and stored in a refrigerator (4°C, 42% R.H. ) for 0, 10, 20, 30 & 40 days before sowing under nursery conditions. Red berries gave the highest mean percentage of germination followed by yellowish-green and green. Viability period was extended to 40 days or more. Some treatment combinations from yellowish-green berries showed no significant difference in percent germination when compared to the highest percentage. Peeling is unnecessary in obtaining a higher percentage. However, it hasten the rate of germination at the initial stage. Matured green berries are unsuitable as planting material, as they are low in viability and vigour.

Full Text (261 KB)