Achievement of maximum seed yield in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Coriander seed production was investigated in 1994/95 at Lincoln (43 degrees S) to determine the optimum time of harvest for maximum viable seed yield. Seed yield, thousand seed weight (TSW), seed moisture content and germination were recorded at 2 day intervals from 21 days after peak flowering (DAF) to 58 DAF. Maximum yield and quality of coriander seed was reached at 37 DAF and maintained for 10 days before yields declined. At this time seed germination was 66-72%, TSW 10.1-10.8 g, seed moisture content 25-45% and viable seed yield was 680-813 kg/ha. The number of days from sowing to harvest and from peak flowering to optimum harvest time varied considerably between years; most of the variation was explainable by the degree days required for development. A seed moisture content of between 40 and 45% is likely to be the best guide for timing the harvest.