Effects of fruit ag and storage periods after harvesting on the seed physiological maturation and quality were evaluated on squash Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo cv. Caserta AG 202. Fruits were harvested at 25, 35, 45 55, 65 and 75 days after anthesis. Seed extraction in every fruit
were made immediately after harvesting from the fruits stored at environmental conditions in a shed for 3, 6 and 9 days. Were evaluated the germination percentage, first germination count, 100 seed weight, seed dry weight matter and the moisture content The seed physiological maturation probably occurred when the fruits presented 65 days after anthesis. In the fruits stored for
6 a 9 days the physiological maturation came earlier approximately at about 55 days after anthesis. lt was observed an increase on seed quality as the fruit age increase. The same verified with the storage periods better seeds from fruits stored with in the range of 3 to 9 days.