The envelope method and substrate wetting in the germination test of onion seeds

Tatiane Sanches Jeromini,Givanildo Zildo Da Silva,Cibele Chalita Martins,Roberta Almeida Muniz

doi:10.5935/1806-6690.20190020

Abstract

The Rules for Seed Analysis reports the use of a paper envelope in germination tests, but without any description of the exact method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of the envelope method and the optimal level of substrate wetting when performing germination tests of onion seeds. The study was performed in two stages. In the first stage, a batch of seeds was evaluated using two seeding methods (on paper and in a paper envelope) and five levels of substrate wetting with differing amounts of water: 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 times the dry mass of the paper. A completely randomized design was used in a 2×5 factorial scheme. In the second stage of the study, the two seeding methods mentioned in the prior were tested in eight seed batches using a completely randomized design and a 2×8 factorial scheme. The degree of moisture, germination, and the first count of germination were evaluated. The time spent for the installation, seeding, counting, and disassembling of the germination test were determined. It was concluded that the envelope method is fit for use in onion seed germination tests. The optimal amount of water to add to the substrate is 2.5 times the dry mass of the paper substrate. The envelope method is fast, practical, and more efficiently uses space within germinator chambers, making it easily incorporable into routine tests within seed analysis laboratories.

Highlights

In Brazil, the annual average area cultivated with onions (Allium cepa L.) is 60 thousand hectares
The germination test is the main parameter used to evaluate the physiological quality of the seeds and allows for the calculation of the germination potential of a batch under favorable conditions (AZEREDO et al, 2010; GENTIL; TORRES, 2001; MARTINS; MACHADO; CAVASINI, 2008)
Germination tests should follow the standard procedures recommended by the RSA - Rules for Seed Analysis (BRASIL, 2009), an official publication that standardizes seed analyses so that germination occurs under the optimal conditions for each individual species

Summary

Introduction

In Brazil, the annual average area cultivated with onions (Allium cepa L.) is 60 thousand hectares. Federal seed standards require a minimum germination value of 80% for onion seeds before batches can be sold on the domestic market (BRASIL, 2009). The germination test is the main parameter used to evaluate the physiological quality of the seeds and allows for the calculation of the germination potential of a batch under favorable conditions (AZEREDO et al, 2010; GENTIL; TORRES, 2001; MARTINS; MACHADO; CAVASINI, 2008). The results of this test are used to determine the seeding rate, in assessing batch value, and in commercialization, as it allows the standardization of results from many laboratories (MARTINS; BOVI; SPIERING, 2009). Germination tests should follow the standard procedures recommended by the RSA - Rules for Seed Analysis (BRASIL, 2009), an official publication that standardizes seed analyses so that germination occurs under the optimal conditions for each individual species

Objectives

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Conclusion