Progressive Horticulture

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is one of the important naturally growing wild plants of trans-Himalayas. It has attracted the attention of researcher, development agencies, policy makers and industries of the country during the last two decades. there is huge demand of ripe fruits of Seabuckthorn in country. However, data of fruit growth and optimal stage of harvesting are not available. Keeping above in mind, detailed studies were conducted at various stages of fruit growth of seabuckthorn. Extensive data was collected from 1^st week of July to 4^th week of october, until fruit become fully mature and ripe for harvesting. Based on the studies, it is concluded that seabuckthorn fruits takes about 120 days after fruit setting for harvesting and for getting optimum fruit yield. For tapping maximum nutritional benefits, fruit colour and float-sink of fruits may be adopted as maturity indices. Generally, fruits were found to attain maximum size, yield and other desirable biochemical qualities, when harvested during second fortnight of october. thus, it is recommended to harvest ripe fruits of seabucthorn in the month of october, to harvest maximum yield and nutritional qualities.