Germination potentials of Gongronema latifolia Benth seeds at different stages of maturity and storage

Seeds harvested at three distinct stages of follicle development (green yellow, yellow and ash) were used to study their germination potentials over six months of storage. Statistical analyses were performed on the seed traits calculated from germination records. The study has shown that the yellow follicle stage (YF) is the physiological maturity stage of the seeds. Seeds from green yellow follicle (GYF) were matured enough to germinate and store longer than seeds from yellow follicle (YF) and ashy follicle (AF). The stage of seed development thus influences germination rate and length of seed storage before dormancy sets in the seeds. The level of dormant seeds in the fresh seeds was very low and negligible as the three stages gave reliable germination percentage of more than 85%. Dormancy only sets in the species after few months of seed storage under environmental conditions. The seeds were dormant because they were alive by end of storage duration and beyond but failed to germinate when tested. Rather, most of the seeds would imbibe water and remain dormant over the period of germination while others would imbibe water and die (rot). Higher and prolonged germination recorded for GYF makes harvesting of seeds at the stage more adequate. Seed losses due to dehiscence of follicles beyond physiological maturity stage could thus be eliminated and the genetic resources preserved.