The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and physiological changes in the maturation of gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.) seeds since these aspects are important for high quality seed production and reducing seed deterioration in the field. Seeds were collected from fruits of the Norte cultivar at five-day intervals from the 15th to the 40th day after anthesis. The statistical design was completely randomized with six treatments (fruit ages) and four replications. For each fruit age, the fruits were evaluated visually and the mean weight determined. The seeds were evaluated regarding: moisture content, seed dry mass, germination, first count of ermination, electrical conductivity, accelerated aging, and emergence speed index. The maximum physiological quality was found in seeds collected 32 days after anthesis but the best time to harvest the fruits was from 35 to 40 days after anthesis when the seeds showed the lowest moisture content.
Cucumis anguria; physiological quality; germination
