Seed maturation studies in corn, mungbean and mustard

Peak flowering in mungbean (BPI mg-5) was reached in 43 days after planting [DAP] while in mustard (Chinese mustard), peak flowering was observed 73 DAP. Silking in corn was noted 55 DAP. Physiological maturity in mungbean was attained 19 days after peak flowering [DAPF]. At this point, seed dry weight was 0.053 gram and moisture content was 23.0 percent. At 34 DAPF, mustard had a maximum seed dry weight of 0.011 gram and still with a high seed moisture content of 56.2 percent. Corn became physiologically mature at 37 days after silking [DAS]. Its seed dry weight was 0.141 gram and its moisture content was 50.0 percent. Maximum germination and full viability in mungbean was at physiological maturity. In mustard, 100 percent viability was reached after physiological maturity (39 DAPF) while the highest percent germination was observed during physiological maturity (34 DAPF). Germination in corn proceeded at a slow rate. Initial seedling emergence was noted 27 DAS, reaching its highest at seed ripening stage (42 DAS). Highest viable seed yield of 2983 kilograms per hectare in mungbean was attained at physiological maturity. In mustard, viable seed yield at physiological maturity was recorded as 1421 kg/ha. In corn, the highest viable seed yield of 3555 kg/ha was registered at 42 DAS 5 days after physiological maturity. Mungbean (BPI Mg-5), planted during wet season should be harvested at 19 DAPF. Viability and germination were highest while seed moisture content was already low, 23.0 per cent. At the same planting season, Chinese mustard was ideally harvested at 34 DAPF to avoid serious crop losses due to pod shattering. During summer months, harvesting Supersweet Corn No. 1 was best done at 42 DAS. Viable seed yield was highest and seed moisture content was quite low and therefore would require less drying period.