The objective of this research was to study the physiological maturation of Phoenix roebelenii seeds to determine the ideal harvesting time. The fruits, after their formation, were harvested weekly from 33 days after anthesis (d.a.a.) until 194 d.a.a., in a total of 23 harvestings. The seeds were evaluated from 68 up to 194 d.a.a. under laboratory conditions. Biometrical data of the fruits (length and diameter) and seeds (length, width and thickness) were obtained. The moisture content, the fresh and dry matter from the fruits and seeds, and the seed germination and the speed of germination index (SGI) were also recorded. According to the results obtained, it was observed that the physiological maturation point of seeds of P.roebelenii occurred at 138 d.a.a., and the harvesting period could be extended up to 194 d.a.a.
Arecaceae; pyrene; dwarf palm
