Exploring the Growth and Development of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Seedlings: The Impact of Fruit Maturation on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Biomass Partitioning

Background: Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is one of the most important tropical commercial fruits widely cultivated in south-east Asia, Australia, South America, and African countries due to its nutritional value. However, in Ghana the fruit is gaining popularity in many households and, this could serve as an alternative source of income. The experiment was conducted at the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso, Eastern region-Ghana. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of maturity stages on Rambutan seed vigour, germination, seedling growth and biomass partitioning. Methods: Fruits of three maturity stages (i.e. green, half-ripe and fully ripe) were harvested from the field genebank and seeds extracted and sown immediately after harvest. The experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design in three replicates. Results: The results showed that fully ripe fruits had better seed vigour, seedling growth and biomass partitioning followed by the half-ripe fruits. Fruits harvested at the green stage showed the least performance.