Biochemical and Physiological Performance of Seeds of Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntz (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) at Different Phases of Maturation

Determining the optimal harvest time for <i>Pentaclethra macroloba</i> seeds is essential to preserve germination potential and ensure high-quality oil production, valued in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This study aimed to identify the maturation phase that maximizes seed physiological quality and oil yield. Fruits and seeds were collected from 44 mother plants in Belém and São Domingos do Capim, Brazil, during three final maturation phases: P1 (dark green pericarp, beige seeds), P2 (yellowish-green pericarp, light-brown seeds), and P3 (black pericarp, dark brown seeds). Germination, vigor tests, and gas chromatography analyses revealed that seeds from P3 exhibited the highest vigor (93-99% germination) and oil yield (up to 13.1%). Major fatty acids were oleic (up to 65.23%), linoleic (up to 8.45%), and behenic acids (up to 17.22%). The ripening period ranged from 7 to 8 months, influenced by environmental factors. Optimal seed quality and oil yield are achieved when harvesting occurs before dispersal, targeting fruits with yellowish-green pericarp transitioning to black. Post-harvest drying enhances oil extraction efficiency. These findings support the conservation of <i>P. macroloba</i> through viable seeds and promote economic sustainability by optimizing oil production, benefiting biodiversity and local extractive communities.