Pattern of fruit and seed maturation in Himalayan maple (Acer caesium)
2006
Phartyal, SS | Thapliyal, R.C.
Fruit and seed development in Acer caesium is described for trees growing in montane, temperate forests of the western Himalayas of India. Fruits of A. caesium were harvested during 1997 and 1998 at biweekly intervals after anthesis until maturity. Changes in physical characteristics of samaras and the percent seed germination during developmental stages were recorded. Seeds matured around 210-225 days after anthesis (DAA).With maturation, pericarps and testae turned dark brown in color. This stage coincides with minimum fruit and seed moisture content and maximum germination percentage. Moisture content in both intact samaras and seed (hulled) showed an abrupt decline during the final phase of maturation and stabilized around 12-14% in mature seed. Dry weight accumulation ceased before seed attained physiological maturity. The study revealed that A. caesium seeds underwent a tri-phasic development, that is, growth, reserve accumulation and desiccation.
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