Study on seed development and maturation is very important as these decide the seed quality of any seed crop. Present investigations were done to assess the maximum seed quality and physiological maturity stage of proso millet. The length and breadth of panicle, accumulation of fresh and dry weight of panicle and 1000-seed weight were higher at 28 days after anthesis (DAA) in proso millet and thereafter no increase was observed. The moisture content of panicle decreased with increase in stages of seed development and maturation. However the seed germination was not observed during physiological maturity stages which could be due to existence of dormancy in proso millet. The enzyme activities of á-amylase content, dehydrogenase activity and nutrient accumulation of carbohydrate, calcium and phosphorus content increased up to 28 DAA. Therefore it is advisable to harvest the seed crop of proso millet at 28 DAA which coincides with maximum seed quality.
Seed development, proso millet, seed characters, days after anthesis, seed quality
