Abstract
The aim of this research was to test if mean germination time (MGT) can predict seed vigor in 10 seed lots of canola. There was a significant difference between the final germination percentages of the 10 seed lots tested (‘Hyola 330’, ‘Hyola 401’, ‘Okapi’, ‘Elite’, ‘SLMO 46’, ‘Zarfam’, ‘RGS 003’, ‘Option 500’, ‘Echo’, ‘Rainbow’) and a highly significant correlation between MGT and this value. Of the 10 seed lots, ‘Hyola 330’ had the lowest final percentage germination (62%) and the highest MGT, 3.64 days. The correlation between MGT and the proportion of “normal” seedlings was also significant. ‘Hyola 330’ had the lowest percentage of normal seedlings (60%). A tetrazolium test showed that this lot had some dead seeds that could not germinate; some seeds were viable, but they would produce abnormal seedlings. One of the main reasons of low final germination percentage and high MGT in ‘Hyola 330’ was low viability of this seed lot. Mean germination time is suggested as a good indicator of seed vigor in canola.
Highlights
Canola (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops in the world
Ellis and Roberts [9] provided evidence for a range of crops that when seeds deteriorated under laboratory ageing regimes, the rate of germination was slower as germination declined, indicated by significant negative relationships between mean germination time and the final germination percentage
Slower germinating seed in our study produced a greater number of abnormal seedlings, which is a well-recognized signal of deterioration as a result of seed ageing
Summary
Canola (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops in the world. The essential role of seeds in crop establishment and importance has long been recognized. Older maize seed had lower vigor as seen in soil emergence tests and was slower to germinate as indicated by higher mean germination time (MGT) [4]. Seed deterioration resulting from harvest conditions and prolonged storage is often cited as a physiological cause of differences between lots [5,6]. The fact that the germination of lots of maize after accelerated ageing relates to field emergence in maize [7] and sweet corn [8] suggests that deterioration is a cause of vigor differences. Ellis and Roberts [9] provided evidence for a range of crops (barley, wheat, onions, and cabbage) that when seeds deteriorated under laboratory ageing regimes, the rate of germination was slower as germination declined, indicated by significant negative relationships between mean germination time (the reciprocal of which is the rate of germination) and the final germination percentage. Some of the reports on the maize cold test contain information suggesting that slow germination and emergence [7,8,9,10,11] are characteristic of lots with low field
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
