Abstract
During 2012–2015, the seed vigour of 54 commercial sugar beet varieties was evaluated. In addition, correlations among different methods of determining seed vigour and the potential impact of low vigour on the quality traits of seeds and root yield were investigated. The chosen seed vigour indicators were field emergence (early and final count), emergence course in a phytotron under controlled conditions (early and final count, mean time of emergence, emergence uniformity) and germination ability under stress conditions regarding substrate moisture and air temperature. The most effective vigour indicators were field and phytotron emergence (early count), mean time of emergence and germination ability under stress conditions. Final field and phytotron emergence constituted weak indicators of seed vigour. Low seed vigour decreased root yield by 3.2 t/ha (4.8%) compared to high seed vigour. Lower yields were caused by slower and less uniform field emergence.
Highlights
According to the current International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) definition, seed vigour is the sum of the properties determining the activity and performance ofThe earlier studies indicated that the order of emergence measured by the number of days from the date of sowing until the day of emergence had an enormous influence on plant characteristics (Durr et al 1992; Stibbe and Marlander 2002)
Significant differences in the quality of seeds originating from different companies were recorded with the following traits: field emergence (FE), phytotron plant emergence (PE), early count (EC), mean time to emergence in the phytotron (MTE), final count and germination ability (GA) under temperature and moisture stress conditions (Table 1)
Taking into account all nine parameters determining the quality of sugar beet seeds, the worst-quality seeds were supplied by companies F and G, while the best were supplied by A and B
Summary
The earlier studies indicated that the order of emergence measured by the number of days from the date of sowing until the day of emergence had an enormous influence on plant characteristics (Durr et al 1992; Stibbe and Marlander 2002). Relative growth rate (RGR) was not affected by different dates of emergence (Durr et al 1992; Stibbe and Marlander 2002). A constant RGR of plants that emerged late indicated that they are not able to compensate for their shorter vegetation period and will always contribute less to the dry matter yield of the crop than the plants that emerged early. We may conclude that the irregularity of emergence dates is the primary
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.
