Pepper seed yield and quality in relation to fruit position on the mother plant.

Variation in seed yield and quality in relation to fruit position were determined in hot pepper cultivar during 2004 and 2005. Fruits were harvested from different layers (first, second and third) of the plant. In each layer, fruits were harvested 65 days after anthesis to obtain similar seed maturation stage. Fruit weight, seed yield, seed moisture content, germination at 15 and 25 degrees C, germination after controlled deterioration and mean germination time were determined. Fruit weight and seed yield gradually decreased throughout fructification, from the first to the third layer. Seed moisture content did not change between layers. Moisture remained at values of about 48-50%. The seeds extracted from fruits of the first layer had higher germination and vigour, lower mean germination time than those from the other layers. Seeds from the third layer caused decline in seed quality especially vigour with 69.3%.