Effect of tree age on fruit characteristics, seed emergence and seedling growth in Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.)

Abstract

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is an important exotic fruit from Asia, which is gaining popularity due to its nutritional benefits. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of tree age on fruit characteristics, seed emergence and seedling growth of rambutan. The study was conducted at the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso, Ghana. Fruits of rambutan were harvested from 8, 10, 25 and 40 years old trees at different locations of the field genebank. For each tree age, three trees were used as replicates. Fruits harvested from trees of different ages were assessed for total fruit weight, pulp weight, pericarp weight, seed weight, percentage seed emergence, seedling plant height and number of leaves at monthly intervals. Fruits harvested from 8, 10, 25 and 40 years old trees did not show significant difference in fruit characteristics and seed emergence. Significant (p<0.05) differences were observed in plant height and number of leaves at 5 and 6 months after emergence, respectively.