Physiological maturity
The stage of plant development when seeds or fruits reach their maximum dry weight and are fully capable of germination.
Также говорят: biological maturity, full maturity
Physiological maturity marks the developmental endpoint where a plant has maximized nutrient translocation into the seed. At this stage, the connection between the plant and the seed is often physically restricted, stopping further accumulation of biomass.
Farmers monitor this stage primarily to ensure high seed vigor and optimal germination rates. Common management errors include harvesting too early, which results in immature seeds with low shelf life, or delaying harvest until the field reaches excessive moisture levels, which increases susceptibility to fungal infections and mechanical losses.