Abstract
The scarcity of information on the maturation physiology of the peanut seed (Arachis hypogaea L.; Virgínia group) makes harvesting high quality seeds a challenge for the seed industry. During two consecutive crop seasons, we studied the acquisition of physiological quality of peanut seeds during maturation in tropical conditions. We bring new insights about the period of late maturation of seeds and the influence of the maternal environment on physiological quality. We monitored water content, dry weight, ability of germination, desiccation tolerance, vigor and longevity. In addition, we monitored temperature and precipitation throughout plant growth. We demonstrate that the physiological quality of peanut seeds is acquired during development, with a maximum between 57 and 76 days after flowering in the late stage of maturation. This final period represents about 25% of the development, considered the best time to harvest peanut seeds with the highest quality. Our findings also support the idea that the adequate proportion of rainfall and thermal sum in the maternal environment are factors that favor the acquisition of peanut seed longevity.
Highlights
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) belong to the Fabaceae family and are among the five most important oil species in the world [1]
There was a progressive accumulation of dry weight up to 57 days after flowering (DAF) and remained stable until 76 DAF when the seeds were harvested
The seeds started to germinate at 28 DAF, while the beginning of the acquisition of desiccation tolerance occurred at 35 DAF
Summary
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) belong to the Fabaceae family and are among the five most important oil species in the world [1]. Peanuts are a source of protein and oil for human and animal nutrition [4] and their grains are consumed by nations of the six continents [3]. This context highlights the need for research regarding factors that interfere in the production of the species, which has contributed to food security and to the global economy [1, 5]. The factor that we highlight is the physiological quality of the seeds, an essential requirement for the production of cultivated plants [6] and for the achievement of high productivity [7] It expresses the seed storage potential as a strategic
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