Detection of seed vigour differences in Festuca sinensisseed lots

Abstract

The selection of high vigour seeds significantly affects stand establishment and initial plant growth, particularly in harsh environments. Several tests, including standard germination (SG), seed vigour index (SVI), germination under water and temperature stress conditions, radicle emergence (RE) counts, accelerated ageing (AA) and electrical conductivity (EC), were applied to evaluate the vigour of 12 seed lots of Festuca sinensis. The SG showed that all seed lots attained high germination ranging from 86 to 96%; no significant correlation was observed between SG and seedling emergence (SE) in field experiments over two years (2020 and 2021). The RE count at 88 hours, germination (15°C and -0.2 MPa) were the most correlated with SE (r = 0.881 and 0.851, respectively, P < 0.01), followed by AA (42°C for 48 hours) and SVI (0.836 and 0.753, respectively, P < 0.01). Thus, RE counts at 88 hours, germination (15°C and -0.2 MPa), SVI and AA (42°C for 48 hours) accurately detect vigour difference of F. sinensis seed lots and provide similar data to those for SE in the field.