Abstract
The assessment of physiological potential is essential in seed quality control programs. This study compared the sensitivity of different procedures for evaluating super sweet corn seed vigor, focusing on the primary root protrusion test. Six seed lots, each of the SWB 551 and SWB 585 hybrids, were used. Seed physiological potential was evaluated by germination and vigor tests (speed of germination, traditional and saturated salt accelerated aging, cold test, seedling length, seedling emergence and primary root protrusion). Primary root protrusion was evaluated every 12 hours at 15 °C, 20 °C and 25 °C using two criteria (primary root protrusion and seedlings at the 2 mm root stage). It was concluded that the primary root protrusion test at 15 °C can evaluate super sweet corn seed vigor by counting the number of seedlings at the 2 mm root stage.
Highlights
IntroductionIts seeds generally have a low physiological potential due to various factors, including high sensitivity to damage by imbibition, a fragile membrane system after drying, low amide content and a high quantity of sugars in the endosperm
Sweet corn is classified as a special corn and is exclusively for human consumption
After traditional accelerated aging (TAA), these values varied from 29.7% to 31.8% and from 29.7% to 32.7% for the seeds of the SWB 551 and SWB 585 hybrids respectively; after saturated salt accelerated aging (SSAA), water content varied between 11.6% and 12.7%
Summary
Its seeds generally have a low physiological potential due to various factors, including high sensitivity to damage by imbibition, a fragile membrane system after drying, low amide content and a high quantity of sugars in the endosperm. This results in susceptibility to microorganisms since sugars become a substrate for pathogen growth on the seed surface (Styer and Cantliffe, 1983; Douglas et al, 1993). Seed physiological potential is routinely evaluated by the germination test conducted under theoretically ideal conditions. Seed lots with similar germination may show distinct performances in the field when conditions are not ideal. Vigor tests were developed to complement the information obtained from the germination test with the aim of estimating seed potential under a wide variety of environmental conditions (AOSA, 1983)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
