Abstract
Cold test (CT) is a valuable method of assessing maize seed vigour. Although widely used CT is not standardized because of variations in CT procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate seed vigour of 15 maize inbred lines developed at the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, using two different substrates (soil and sand) in a severe CT (7.5°C for 10 days followed by 7 days at 20/30 °C). Statistical analysis showed that inbred lines differ significantly in seed vigour, and no difference between two applied substrates in CT. Coefficients of variation were lower in CT with sand (6.05 %), compared to the CT with soil (6.74%) due to variation in soil quality and presence of soil-borne pathogens. Both CT procedures were highly correlated with field emergence. Results of this research indicate that CT with sand is appropriate for testing maize seed vigour, with the potential for standardization.
Highlights
Seed vigour is a very important parameter of quality, as it indicates the ability of seeds to germinate in sub-optimal conditions
The first test developed for the evaluation of seed vigour was cold test and it is applied in seed testing laboratories around the world
The cold test proved to be a good indicator of field emergence, it has not been introduced to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) rules because it was not possible to standardize this test
Summary
Seed vigour is a very important parameter of quality, as it indicates the ability of seeds to germinate in sub-optimal conditions (low temperatures, wet soil, etc.). Vigour determines seed longevity as well as speed and uniformity of seed germination and emergence. Vigour is a better indicator of seed quality standard germination test (Matthews et al, 2012; Tabaković et al, 2013; Vujaković et al, 2015). The first test developed for the evaluation of seed vigour was cold test and it is applied in seed testing laboratories around the world. The cold test proved to be a good indicator of field emergence, it has not been introduced to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) rules because it was not possible to standardize this test
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.
