Seed Science Research, cilt.2, sa.2, ss.81-87, 1992 (Scopus)
Changes in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seed quality were monitored during seed development and maturation in glasshouse experiments in 2 years. The end of the seed-filling period (mass maturity) occurred 35–41 'd after anthesis (differing among trusses) in 1989 and 42 'd after anthesis in 1990. Seed moisture contents at this developmental stage were 53-72% (wet basis), while the onset of ability to germinate (during 21-d tests at 20°/30°C) and the onset of tolerance to rapid enforced desiccation occurred just before (1990) or just after (1989) mass maturity. In 1989, seed quality was assessed primarily by seedling size in a glasshouse experiment; maximum mean seedling dry weight 25 'd after sowing was not achieved until 24–40 'd after mass maturity. In 1990, seed quality was assessed primarily by germination following storage; maximum normal germination after 35 'd in storage at 40 °C with 14 + 0.5% moisture content was attained 23 'd after mass maturity, but with little difference among seed lots harvested 10 'd earlier or up to 30 'd later. The results contradict the hypothesis that maximum seed quality is attained at the end of the seed-filling period and that seed viability and vigour begin to decline immediately thereafter. © 1992, The Medieval Academy of America. All rights reserved.