Papaya (Carica papaya) seed quality as influenced by stage of fruit harvest, postharvest ripening and seed extraction

Abstract

Role of fruit maturity, postharvest ripening and seed extraction techniques on seed quality of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Surya was studied. The seeds extracted from ¾th ripe fruits onwards showed significantly higher 100 seed weight, germination and vigour compared to the seeds from early harvested fruits. However, half ripe fruits showed good germination and vigour when they were kept for postharvest ripening for 6 days. The best stage of fruit harvest for obtaining best quality seed was when the ¾th of the fruit skin turned yellow. The seeds from these fruits not only gave better germination and vigour but also showed better storability compared to the seeds extracted from the fruits of early harvested. Fermentation for 24-48 hr was found ideal for easy removal of sarcotesta, the mucilage surrounding the seed surface, without affecting the quality of the seed.