Vigour tests as indicators of seed viability

Abstract

Seed marks the beginning of each plant production and therefore ensuring its quality is the priority of modern seed science and a prerequisite for obtaining high yields of all plant species. Determination of seed quality and its viability indicates what seed lots can be placed onto the market, and for that reason it is very important to have reliable methods and tests to be used for seed quality and seed vigour testing. The term vigour of viability is used to describe the physiological characteristics of seeds that control its ability to germinate rapidly in the soil and to tolerate various, mostly negative environmental factors. MCDONALD grouped vigour tests into three groups: Physical tests - determine seed characteristics such as size and mass. These tests are inexpensive, quick, can be applied to large number of samples, and are positively correlated with seed vigour. The main feature of seed development is accumulation of nutritive materials, which is also in direct correlation with vigour, i.e. with size and mass of seed; Physiological tests - using germination and growth parameters. There are two types of these tests. First type, when germination is done under favourable conditions (standard laboratory germination, and test of growth intensity). Second type, when seed is exposed to unfavourable environmental conditions (cold test, accelerated aging test, and Hiltner test); Biochemical tests - are considered as indirect methods for estimation of seed value. These are Tetrazolijum test, conductometric measurements, enzyme activity and respiration.