Effects of Stage of Harvest and Post-harvest Ripening of Fruits on Seed Yield and Quality in Cucumber Grown under Open Field and Protected Environments

Among the various stages of fruit harvest (35, 40, 45 DFP under open field (E1); and 45, 50, 55 protected (E2) environments, in combination with post-harvest ripening (PHR) periods (0, 10, 20 30-days);treatment F2P4 (40 DFP+30-days PHR), followed by F3P3 (45 DFP+20-days PHR) field, whereas, treatment C2P4 (50 C3P3 (55 environment, were superior optimizing both seed yield quality two cucumber varieties (Pusa Barkha Pusa Uday), during 2019-20, at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. The attributes (i.e total filled 1000-seed weight) (germination vigour) higher environment. Maximum fresh & dry weights, minimum moisture content, EC, TSS TSP (from leachates) registered treatments E1, E2. Of composition, total soluble proteins, starch oil contents (in seed) increased progression maturation PHR period (0 to 30-days), whereas sugars significantly reduced, may be due its conversion into starch. Reduced ROS (O2·- H2O2) seeds all development), reduction moisture, which imposes a lower potential threat seed, consequently reduced antioxidants(SOD, CAT POX); indicative physical physiological soundness seeds.