Impact of the maturity stage on harvest point of fruits and physiological quality of Physalis peruviana L. seeds

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical-chemical and physiological changes during maturation fruits seeds P. peruviana determine best stage for harvesting in Brazillian semi-arid conditions. were collected at five stages based on color epicarp: 1: light green fruit; 2: yellowish-green; 3: yellow with area that connects calyx; 4: yellow; 5: yellowish-orange. Physical physico-chemical (length, diameter, fresh weight, fruit calyx color, total soluble solids) characteristics evaluated. evaluated water content dry germination percentage, speed index, emergence index also determined. highest values width, length solids recorded from S5, although it did not differ S3 S4. reached their maximum quality stage. On other hand, meeting minimum standards required sale consumption natura should be carried out when appear completely yellow, S4 These findings point which attributes may help improve current methods monitoring ripening physalis, particular commercially important specie peruviana.