MSc

The present investigation was carried out at the
Callege of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the influence of



vegetable harvests on the seed yield and quality,


seed



extraction, drying methods and storage containers and the
position of seed in fruit on the seed and seedling characters
of bittergourd.
Growth characters viz. length of main vine number of
main branches plant-1 and leaf area index were significantly
influenced by vegetable harvests and these characters increased
with increasing vegetable harvests. The bearing capacity of
the bittergourd plant was improved by the frequent picking of
green fruits but the ripe .fruit yield and seed yield increased
only upto two vegetable harvests. Hundred seed weight was
significantly higher for two vegetable harvests but the
germination percentage was not appreciably influenced. Though
the net income and benefit cost ratio were not influenced
significantly, the highest were obtained for two vegetable
harvests.
Extraction treatments significantly influenced
germination percentage, speed of germination, seedling root
length and vigour index. Seeds extracted after soaking in



water for 12 h recorded the highest seed and
characters.


seedling

Germination percentage, speed of germination,
seedling root length, electrical conductivity of seed leachate
and hydrogenase enzyme activity were significantly influenced
by drying methods undertaken. Among these characters all
except seedling root length and electrical conductivity of seed
leachate were superior for the method in which seeds were dried
under direct sun avoiding peak sunshine hours. Seedling roots
were longest for seeds dried fully under shade and electrical
conductivity of seed leachate was lowest for artificially dried
seeds.
Storage containers significantly influenced all the
seed and seedling characters studied. Germination percentage,
speed of germination, seedling shoot length, vigour index, dry
weight, electrical conductivity of seed leachate and
hydrogenase enzyme activity were superior for seeds kept in
polythene bag. Longest seedling roots were produced by seeds
kept in butter paper cover.
Interaction between drying and storage containers was
significant for seedling dry weight, electrical conductivity of
seed leachate and hydrogenase enzyme activity. The highest
seedling dry weight was recorded by seeds dried fully under
direct sun and stored in polybags at two MAS. Lowest
electrical conductivity values were recorded by artificial
drying and polythene bag combination at two and three MAS.
Hydrogenase enzyme activity was highest for drying under sun

avoiding peak hours plus polybag at 45 DAS and for artificial
drier plus polybag at 90 DAS.
Position of seed in bittergourd fruit influenced
germination percentage, seedling root length and vigour index
significantly with middle portion recording the highest values.