Effect of fruit maturity on seed germination and seedling growth of mango (Mangifera indica L.)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fruit (seed) maturity on seed germination and seedling growth in mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Minab (Hormozgan province) in 2007. A completely randomized design with 5 treatments consisted of five stage of fruit harvest (85, 95, 105, 115 and 125 days after anthesis, respectively) and 4 replications was used. The results revealed that the maximum seed germination (70.67%) was found in treatment T5 (125 days after anthesis) at a time when the fruit was matured. But, the shoot length, stem diameter, leaf number and leaf area of 6 or 12 months old seedlings were also found better in treatment T1 and T2 (85 and 95 days after anthesis, respectively). Also, shoot dry weight and root index (root dry weight/ root length) of 12 months old seedlings were also found better in treatment T1 (85 days after anthesis). Therefore, the seeds of mango should be collected before fruit ripening, at a time when the fruit is immature for better seedling growth and vigor index.