The effect of different harvest times on the quality of red chili seeds for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most attractive agricultural commodities. To minimize risks in cultivating red chilies, high quality seeds must be used. These seeds are obtained from chili fruit from previous plantings. Chili fruit is harvested several times. This research aims to determine the effect of different harvest times on the quality of red chili seeds for sustainable agriculture. The research was carried out at the Seed Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan. This research used a Non-Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven harvest time treatments, namely harvest in the first week, harvest in the second week, harvest in the third week, harvest in the fourth week, harvest in the fifth week, harvest in the sixth week, and harvest in the seventh week. The parameters observed were the weight of 100 seeds, maximum growth potential, germination test, germination rate and vigor index. The research results show that harvest time has a significant effect on all parameters. Seed harvested in the third and fourth week are the best quality because they have the weight of 100 seeds, maximum growth potential and the highest vigor index and fastest germination rate.