Laboratory Germination Tests Research Articles

Community assembly from the local species pool: an experimental study using congeneric species pairs

Summary 1 Vegetation–environment relationships are well understood at the geographical scale, but it is still not clear what role chance and historical contigency play in the assembly of communities from the local species pool. We addressed this question experimentally by comparing the performance of congeneric species introduced into a grassland community. 2 We used the National Vegetation Classification and distribution maps to define the local pool of grassland species suited to our experimental site. From this we selected five pairs of congeneric species. One member of each pair was native to the experimental site (‘present’ species) and one member was represented in the local species pool but absent from the community (‘absent’ species). 3 If community assembly processes are deterministic, then absent species should underperform present congeners. Any other result would imply that chance, dispersal limitation or historical contingency plays a role in community assembly. Our experimental arrangement allowed us to assess the consistency of comparisons across different grazing treatment combinations. 4 Two field experiments were undertaken. The first investigated the effects of dispersal limitation by introducing seed of congeners and monitoring performance. The second investigated the survival of congeners introduced as small plants at the early stages of growth in ‘plugs’. A laboratory germination test and a combined analysis of both field experiments were also undertaken. 5 Some species showed markedly different responses from their congeners in the two field experiments. Overall, the present species did not consistently perform better than their absent congeners. This indicates that the study community bears the strong imprint of dispersal limitation or other historical factors, a finding consistent with results previously obtained for the same community using a trait‐based model. 6 We conclude that the accuracy of predictions about community composition will be limited by the success with which factors such as propagule dispersal and differential effects of seed predation and herbivory can be modelled. We predict the circumstances under which modelling of community assembly is most likely to be successful.

Control of corn flea beetle and Stewart's wilt in sweet corn with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam seed treatments

Two field-plot experiments were conducted in western and central New York to evaluate imidacloprid and thiamethoxam seed treatments for control of corn flea beetle, Chaetocnema pulicaria Melsheimer, and Stewart's bacterial wilt in three varieties of sweet corn. Seed treatments significantly reduced flea beetle feeding injury to leaves in all varieties and reduced disease incidence 37–83% in the susceptible variety ‘Sprint’. Seed treatments did not control Stewart's wilt as effectively as genetic resistance. Disease incidence in the resistant varieties ‘Dynamo’ and ‘Bonus’ was relatively low (⩽5%) with or without a seed treatment. Additional on-farm evaluations conducted in western New York confirmed the results obtained from our field plots with incidence of Stewart's wilt ≈88% lower in imidacloprid-treated fields compared with non-treated fields. Laboratory germination tests indicated that seed treatments with imidacloprid may have some phytotoxic effects, depending on sweet corn variety and vigor of the seed lot. A general recommendation is that only high quality seed lots should be treated with imidacloprid and that carry-over seed should not be used.

Adequação do teste de condutividade elétrica para determinar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de jacarandá-da-bahia (Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Fr.All. ex Benth.)

Para testar o efeito da temperatura e do tempo de embebição nos valores de condutividade elétrica e verificar sua aplicabilidade para determinar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de Dalbergia nigra (jacarandá-da-bahia), foram utilizadas sementes colhidos em três anos (lote I _ 1998; lote II _ 1997 e lote III - 1994). Inicialmente determinou-se o teor de água e depois conduziu-se os testes de germinação em laboratório e viveiro, utilizando-se quatro repetições de 25 sementes. Para estudar a condutividade elétrica (CE) foram utilizadas quatro repetições de 50 sementes. Cada subamostra foi colocada em recipiente contendo 75ml de água deionizada, embebidas por 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 e 36 horas, a 20, 25 e 30ºC. Sementes do lote II apresentaram maiores valores na primeira contagem da germinação, diferindo significativamente dos demais lotes. O lote III apresentou qualidade inferior. Com o aumento do período e da temperatura de embebição ocorreu aumento nos valores de CE das sementes dos três lotes. O lote III mostrou qualidade fisiológica inferior a dos lotes I e II, que apresentaram valores mais elevados de CE. Não houve diferenciação entre os lotes I e II. Concluiu-se que o teste de CE foi eficiente para diferenciar os lotes de sementes de Dalbergia nigra, com alto grau de associação com o teste de germinação.

Variation in dormancy duration of the U.K. wheat cultivar Hornet due to environmental conditions during grain development

Dormancy of wheat grains, the property conferring sprouting resistance, is affected by environmental conditions experienced during grain development. We investigated the hypothesis that short dormancy duration in U.K. wheat grain (thus a high risk of post-maturity sprouting) is related to weather conditions, i.e. high temperatures during grain development. Four wheat varieties were grown at four sites ranging from the far south to the far north of the country in the years 1995–1997,ensuring different temperature and rainfall conditions during grain development. This paper focuses on one variety, Hornet, which has a high sprouting resistance rating. Other varieties gave similar results. Serial laboratory germination tests (seven days, 20°C) at 100°C-dayintervals were used to measure dormancy duration, which was assessed from logistic curves fitted to the data. During the experiment the mean temperatures during grain development differed by over4°C, due to the site × year effect. Significant effects (p>0.05) of site and year (i.e. weather) on dormancy were found, when definitions of dormancy duration of DA (number of days from anthesis to 50% germination in seven days at 20°C) or DP (number of days from physiological maturity at 45% grain moisture to 50% germination) were used. Dormancy was markedly shorter in the hot, dry year 1995 compared to the cooler, wetter years 1996 and 1997. A relationship, as postulated by Belderok, between accumulated temperature during the dough stage of grain filling and dormancy duration was not found. However, a relationship of dormancy duration to the mean temperature during grain development was found, with short dormancy periods occurring after high mean temperatures were experienced.

Diferenciação de lotes de sementes de jacarandá-da-bahia (Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Fr.All. ex Benth.) pelo teste de germinação em laboratório e viveiro

O desempenho germinativo de sementes de Dalbergia nigra (jacarandá-da-bahia) foi avaliado em laboratório e viveiro, com o objetivo de verificar a eficiência do teste de germinação em laboratório em predizer o comportamento de lotes de sementes em condições de viveiro. Para tanto sementes pertencentes a três lotes (anos de colheita: lote I - 1998, lote II - 1997 e lote III - 1994) foram utilizados para determinar os dados biométricos, teor de água, germinação, índice de velocidade e primeira contagem da germinação e porcentagem de plântulas normais em laboratório e emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência e porcentagem de plântulas normais em viveiro. Sementes pertencentes ao lote III apresentaram qualidade inferior aos lotes I e II, tanto em laboratório como em viveiro. Os altos valores do coeficiente de correlação simples entre as características avaliadas nas duas condições, evidenciam a eficiência do teste de germinação em laboratório em predizer o desempenho germinativo de sementes de jacarandá-da-bahia em viveiro.

Aspectos morfológicos de frutos, sementes, plântulas e mudas de jatobá-do-Cerrado (Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne) – Fabaceae

The objectives of the present paper were to describe and to illustrate the internal and external morphological aspects of fruits, seeds, and the morphology of germination process and seedlings of the jatoba-do-cerrado (Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart.ex Hayne.) The results could enhance the knowledge of wood flora from the cerrado, contributing to the interpretation of germination tests in laboratory and seedling production in nursery, as well as for seedlings identification in natural reforestation studies.

Aspectos morfológicos de frutos, sementes, plântulas e mudas de candeinha (Eremanthus incanus Less.) – Asteraceae

The objectives of this paper were to describe and to illustrate the external and internal morphological aspects of fruits, seeds and seedlings, as well as the germination process of candeinha (Eremanthus incanus Less.). This study was carried out in the laboratory and greenhouse. The fruit is an achene with globe-shaped glands recovering the surface and a bristled pappus; the seed is obovoid with a straight spatulate-shpaed embryo; the germination is epigeous-phanerocotylar and in the seedling phase the root system is fascicled and seedling growth is slow with a continuous leaf-fall. The results can be used in taxonomic studies, in germination tests in laboratory and seedling production in nursery, as well as in silvicultural and ecological studies.

The relationship between ions, vigour and salinity tolerance of Acacia seeds.

Seeds of A. bivenosa DC. Prod., A. coriacea DC., A. elata A. Cunn. Ex Benth., A. farnesiana (L.) Willd., A. nilotica Willd. ex Del., A. salicina Lindl., A. saligna (Labill.) H. Wendle., A. senegal (L.) Willd., A. tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne and A. tumida F. Muell. ex Benth. were tested for their final germination percentage (FG) in distilled water (DW) and in 25–400 mol m-3 NaCl, germination rate (1/t50, where t50 is the time to 50% of final germination in DW), Ca and K concentration (Caunt, Kunt), the leakage of these ions when soaked for 24 h in DW (CaDW, KDW) and the leakage (additional to that in DW) when soaked in 250 mol m-3 NaCl (CaNaCl, KNaCl). Linear regression revealed significant positive relationships between salinity tolerance (I50, the concentration of NaCl required to reduce final germination to 50% of the control value in DW) and FG, Rate, Caunt/Kunt and CaNaCl/KNaCl. There was also a significant negative relationship between I50 and Kunt. Multiple regression equations were developed to predict I50 from the above parameters. Equations based on (1) FG and Rate, (2) Caunt and Kunt, and (3) any of these four factors, accounted for 61, 60 and 79%, respectively, of the variation in I50. Further equations, introducing the leakage of ions into DW and NaCl and the ratios of ion concentrations monitored, improved the predictive value of the equation. The best equation, accounting for 93% of the variation was: I50 = 108 + 422 Rate − 1.32 Kunt + 16.3 CaDW − 5.4 KDW + 71.6 K/CaDW. These equations provide a screening test for salt tolerance of Acaciaseed germination based on simple and rapid laboratory chemical analyses and germination tests.

Comparative ecology of seedling recruitment in an oligotrophic wet meadow

Abstract. For the regeneration niche to contribute to the maintenance of species diversity interspecific differences in sensitivity of seedling recruitment to environmental conditions is assumed. We experimentally tested differences between meadow species for the response of seed germination to chilling, and sensitivity of seedling recruitment to microscale heterogeneity. We also compared the dynamics of seedling recruitment in gaps. Seed germination was tested in standard laboratory germination tests, comparing control seeds with seeds chilled at +4 °C, and at –14°C for one month. Species responses varied from significant increases in germinability after chilling (e.g. Cirsium palustre, Betonica officinalis, Angelica sylvestris) to significant decreases (e.g. Hieracium umbellatum, Succisa pratensis, Selinum carvifolia). In some species, chilling at + 4 °C has a similar effect to chilling at –14 °C, in others the effect of chilling at + 4°C was intermediate, and in some, there was no effect of chilling at + 4°C, but an effect of chilling at –14°C. Different chilling temperatures also affect timing and speed of seed germination under greenhouse conditions.The dynamics of seed germination under field conditions was studied by sowing seeds into artificially created gaps and following their germination, both where the seedlings were removed after emergence and where they were not removed. Species differ in their germination dynamics: they all start late April, but then differentiate from an abrupt maximum and early finish of germination (in the second half of May), to prolonged germination without a marked maximum. Seedling removal increased the total number of germinated seeds, with a marked density dependence at this stage. Seeds were also sown into plots with treatments (1) gaps, sod stripped, above‐ground vegetation removed; (2) mown, moss layer removed; (3) mown; (4) untouched control. Seedling emergence was monitored for 3 yr. Seedling recruitment decreased from treatments (1) to (4), but sensitivity differed between species. With increasing seed weight, the difference between gaps and other treatments decreased. The results show that there are considerable differences in seedling recruitment sensitivity between species.

Alfalfa seed germination tests and stand establishment: The role of hard (water impermeable) seed

Freeze thaw scarification has been observed to increase the germination rate of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed containing a large proportion of hard (water impermeable) seed in a 7-d laboratory germination test; however, a comparable increase in plant density is not always seen in the field. To investigate this discrepancy, a field experiment with untreated and scarified seed was carried out using cultivars with high (Apica, 35%; Barrier, 32%) and low (Apollo II, 1%; WL316, 0.3%) percentages of hard seed. Plants were counted at the three-trifoliate-leaf and 10% bloom stages in 1992, the planting year, and at 10% bloom in 1993. In the field, effects of scarification were seen only at the 10% bloom stage in 1992, increasing the plant densities of high hard seed cultivars by 17% while decreasing those of low hard seed cultivars by 10%. Two laboratory experiments were also done to determine the effect of temperature, lighting (light, shade, dark) and media (on blotter, in soil) on the germination of hard seed. Germination was highest at alternating 35/5 °C and higher at 28/14 °C than at constant 20 °C. At 20/–10 °C most germinated seed died. Differences among germination media and lighting treatments were small. Scarification may possibly have some negative effect on the quick-germinating fraction of the seed in the field but the net effect for cultivars with a high hard seed content appears positive. Some seed identified as hard in a 7-d test at constant 20 °C likely germinate and contribute to an alfalfa stand in the field when soil temperatures are higher. Thus the discrepancy previously observed between the laboratory and field results may possibly be accounted for in part by a negative effect of scarification and also by differences in temperature. Key words: Medicago, germination, seed coat, temperature

Approaches to the indirect evaluation of germination and vigour

In comparisons of six seed lots of different F1 hybrid cultivars of cauliflower with similarly high laboratory germinations (above 90%) separation in germination was achieved after controlled deterioration (C.D.) at 24% moisture content (m.c.) and 45 0C for 24 hours. This measure of vigour was related to the position of the lots on the seed survival curve and was highly predictive of the longevity of the lots when stored at 15% m.c. and 20 0C for 12 and 16 weeks. When each seed lot was deteriorated at 24% m.c. for increasing times (from 0 to 36 hours) a reduction in the subsequent percentage germination was seen, which, using probit transformed percentages, was significantly and linearly related to the leakage of electrolytes into seed soak water over 24 hours. The case is made for an approach to the indirect evaluation of germination and vigour using C.D. followed by measurements of leakage that could be more discerning and rapid than the present laboratory germination test.

A chilling resistance test for inbred maize lines

A laboratory germination test based on exposure of seeds to a temperature regime derived from natural conditions was developed to determine chilling resistance in maize (Zea mays L.). Seven inbred lines were exposed to a temperature regime approximating Ottawa, Ontario's (Lat. 45° 24′N, Long. 75° 43′W) spring climate. Seeds were subjected to a range of maximum (16 h) and minimum (8 h) temperatures corresponding to the dates spanning 15 April (10.3/0.4 °C) to 30 May (21.0/9.1 °C) in controlled temperature germinators. A control germination test used a constant 25 °C. The percent germination, percent viability, and average time taken to germinate were measured. The results of all three parameters corresponded in indicating which line was chilling susceptible, and the percents germination and viability in which lines were chilling tolerant. Field trials were sown in Ottawa in the early spring of 1992 and 1993 and percent of emergence and average time to emergence were recorded. The line demonstrated to be most chilling susceptible by the laboratory germination test and those lines selected to be most chilling tolerant by the laboratory percent germination and viability assays corresponded to those classified as such by the field percent emergence. Key words: Maize, germination test, chilling tolerance and sensitivity

Somatic polymorphism in the achenes of Tragopogon dubius

Achenes of Tragopogon dubius have previously been described as dimorphic with respect to size and colour. In this investigation we found that there is a continuum of weight change from lighter central achenes to the heavier peripheral achenes. The main component of change is the pericarp. Outer achenes may also contain larger quantities of phenolic compounds than inner achenes. The differences in mass, morphology, and chemical characteristics may be significant enough to result in differences in germination behaviour. No such differences were seen in standard laboratory germination tests, though in a greenhouse experiment, seedlings from peripheral achenes emerged later and were larger and taller than seedlings from central achenes. The presence of phenolic compounds in the fruits of T. dubius suggests that the peripheral morphs may retain viability longer in the seed bank. Key words: somatic polymorphism, heteromorphism, germination, emergence, Tragopogon.

Severity of Phomopsis Seed Decay, Seed Quality Evaluation, and Field Performance of Soybean

The ability of seed quality tests to predict field performance of soybean seed lots with different incidences of infection by the causal agents of phomopsis seed decay (PD), was evaluated. Different seed infection levels were induced in one ‘Corsoy 79’ soybean seed lot by exposing naturally infected pods to 0, 3, 4, or 5 d at >95% relative humidity and 25 °C. Seeds were then removed from pods and dried. Seed quality wase valuated by germination tests on creped cellulose wadding (Kimpac), rolled towel, and sand and by cold, accelerated aging (A.Aging), tetrazolium (TZ), and conductivity tests. Field emergence of these seeds was evaluated at two locations and two 1991 planting dates in Iowa. Differences between laboratory germination test results for seeds with low (6.4 and 11.5%) infection levels were minor. At higher infection levels (18.2 and 32.4%), test differences were as large as 23%.P homopsis‐diaporthine fection was located primarilyin the seed coat with lesser infection levels in cotyledons. Cotyledonary infection was not associated with variation in test results, but seed coat infection was, as evidenced by greater numbers of infected‐abnormal seedlings in Kimpac and towel tests than in other tests. Field emergence declined with increasing PD seed infection at all sites and planting dates. Kimpac, towel, sand, A.Aging, and cold tests gave good estimates of field emergence at seed infection levels to 18.2%, but at 32.4% infection, Kimpac and towel tests underestimated field emergence. Tetrazolium and conductivity tests overestimated seed quality at low and high infection levels.

The effect of parent plant nutrition on seed size, viability and vigour and on germination of wheat and triticale at different temperatures

SummarySeed was obtained from two adjacent trials of wheat (cv. Avalon) and triticale (cv. Lasko) harvested in 1990. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of five levels of spring nitrogen (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg N ha‐1) with fungicide treatments designed to control foliar diseases. Seed was graded by size into different fractions.Application of foliar fungicides to the parent plant increased the proportion of large seed in wheat but not in triticale. Fungicide application had no effect on seed vigour (quantified as the value of K; after controlled deterioration), final germination, median germination time (t50) or rate of germination.Parent plant nutrition altered the proportions of seed in different size categories in triticale and wheat. In laboratory germination tests, final germination of wheat increased with seed size. Large (> 3.0 mm diameter) wheat seed from plots receiving 50 kg N ha“1 had a lower final germination than large seed from plots which had received greater amounts of nitrogen, but t50 and K; were similar for all nitrogen levels. In triticale, the higher the seed weight, the higher the final germination, the faster the rate and the higher the Ki. Final germination, t50 and K;, were all positively correlated with the amount of nitrogen received by the parent plants.Parent plant nutrition had no effect on the response to temperature of final germination, t50, or rate of germination for large or small seeds of both wheat and triticale.

Laboratory Germination Responses of 3 Lovegrasses to Temperature in Relation to Seedbed Temperatures

Laboratory tests are often conducted to determine seed germination responses to temperatures for seedbed ecology interpretations and revegetation seeding rate calculations. To determine the utility of laboratory germination tests for indicating seedbank germinability of lovegrasses we measured seedbed temperatures and soil water on 2 semidesert grassland sites in the Southwest. We also tested germination of Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees), 'Cochise' lovegrass (E. lehmanniana Nees X E. trichophora Coss & Dur.), and plains lovegrass (E. intermedia Hitch.) seed collections associated with natural or artificial revegetation studies on these 2 sites in relation to an array of constant and alternating temperatures. Germination responses to different temperatures varied with the year and source of collection and seed age and differed compared to those reported in the literature. Lehmann and Cochise lovegrass had high germination at temperature alternations similar to wet seedbed temperature extremes in December (0,2/15 degrees C) and these species and plains lovegrass were germinable at moderate temperature alternations representative of wet seedbeds in April (10/30 degrees C). Ability to germinate in laboratory tests at these temperatures is not necessarily indicative of germinability in the field for Lehmann lovegrass, which has been observed to germinate in April, not December, in wet seedbeds. All species had maximum or near maximum germination at a temperature alternation of 20/40 degrees C, which is similar to wet seedbed temperature extremes during the summer rainy period when these species usually emerge. Because of the variability in germinability of different seed collections of lovegrass over time, specific collections should be tested at specific ages relevant to seedbed ecology and revegetation studies or projects. Laboratory germination tests which mimic actual wet seedbed temperature curves might be more predictive of seedbed germinability than the usual tests which expose the seeds to abrupt temperature alternations.

Physiological Maturity and Vigor in Production of ‘Florida Staysweet’ Shrunken‐2 Sweet Corn Seed

Shrunken‐2 (sh‐2) sweet corn (Zea mays L.) exhibits relatively poor germination and seedling vigor. Early harvest is sometimes advocated for avoidance of seedborne fungi. Our objectives included studying the effect of maturity on seed vigor, defining physiological maturity, and optimizing vigor testing. Six crops of ‘Florida Stay sweet’ seed were produced in 1987 and 1988 and harvested 22 to 90 days after silking (DAS). Maximum kernel dry weight was obtained 43 to 47 DAS except for very late (mid‐June) plantings, which required 48 and 66 DAS. Decline in kernel moisture content was linear. Unreated seed, harvested 72 to 75 DAS from mid‐April plantings. produced an 80% stand in the field the following year. Harvest at maximum dry weight (43 to 47 DAS) produced final stands of 20% of lower. Delaying planting of the seed crop until mid‐May resulted in a decrease of maximum attainable field emergence to 50% in 1987 but not in 1988. Delaying planting until mid‐June lowered maximum attained field emergence to 30% in 1987 and 40% in 1988. laboratory germination test maxima preceded field emergence maxima by 12 to 26 d. Black layer formation preceded low vigor resulting from immaturity. The soil cold test, accelarated aging, and mean leachate conductance (ASA 610) were more highly correlated wiht final stand (median r = 0.87, 0.85, and ‐0.88, respectively) than was rolled‐towel germination (median r = 0.71). In conclusion, early harvest (45 to 60 DAS) resulted in seed with high germination and low vigor. Leaving the crop in the field as long as 80 to 90 DAS resulted in consistent production of relatively high vigor seed, as long as the crop was not planted very late (mid‐June).

Yellow Cotyledon: A Seedling Disorder of Broccoli

A seedling disorder of broccoli (Brassica oleraceae L. var. italica) characterized by chlorotic cotyledons and delayed seedling growth is described. This disorder, termed “yellow cotyledon”, has been observed in field plantings under high temperatures with some broccoli seed lots. Yellow-cotyledon disorder can be observed in laboratory germination tests if they are conducted under illumination, where unaffected seedlings will develop green cotyledons. Little relationship was found between overall seed vigor and the expression of yellow cotyledon by use of early germination counts and accelerated aging tests, although the most severely affected seed lots had been stored for several years. Field trials in 2 years showed that although seedlings with yellow-cotyledon disorder developed into normal plants, maturity was delayed and total yields were reduced.

A survey of seedling establishment in sugar‐beet crops in 1980 and 1981

SUMMARYOne hundred and twenty five crops distributed throughout the UK sugar‐beet growing area were examined to identify the growth stage at which failures occurred during the seedling establishment phase. Establishment varied between 15 and 90% and averaged 64 and 67% in 1980 and 1981 respectively. It exceeded 70% in 46% of fields.Overall, the actual seed spacing was only 0·15cm wider than the 17·0cm intended but the number of seed stations in individual fields varied from 27% less to 19% more than the target. On average the drill failed to place a seed at 5% of seed stations but up to 14% misses were recorded. Germination in the field was 92% ‐ only 1% less than in the standard laboratory germination test. However, on average, 16% (range 2 ‐ 42%) of seeds which germinated failed to develop much further; the cause of only a quarter of these losses was identified as due to soil pests, diseases or being caught under stones or clods. There was a tendency for more seeds to fail between germination and emergence as the proportion of empty seed stations increased.Rapid emergence usually resulted in greater final emergence. There were post‐emergence losses in 122 of the 125 fields. These losses averaged 6% and exceeded 14% on five fields. Birds were considered to have killed plants in 49 fields, soil pests caused losses in 20 fields and herbicides, fungal disease or grazing by rabbits or hares decreased plant stands in about 10 fields.

Relationships between Laboratory Germination Tests and Field Emergence of Maize Inbreds

In the USA and Europe, maize (Zea mays L.) is often planted into soils that are or become cold and wet resulting in reduced field emergence, poor stands, and lower economic yields. This study was conducted to determine the relative merits of two germination tests, the cold and soak tests, for prediction of field emergence when soil temperatures are suboptimal for germination. The effects of initial seed moisture on field emergence were also investigated. Field emergence of 48 maize inbred lines was measured in eight locations in 1986 and 1987. The seeds of each inbred were also cold and soak tested. Seeds taken directly from conditioned storage and seeds dried to 80 g kg−1 moisture were used in these studies. In 1986, the cold and soak test were equally correlated with field emergence r = 0.43** (significant at the 0.01 level of probability) and 0.40** respectively. In 1987, the cold test was more highly correlated with field emergence (r = 0.74**) than the soak test (r = 0.43**). These correlations between laboratory germination tests and field emergence were affected by both location and year. Drying seeds to 80 g kg−1 moisture resulted in an overall 5% decrease in field emergence in both years. There was a significant inbred line‐by‐year interaction, but only one inbred was significantly affected in both years. The value of these germination tests as a tool to aid selection was also investigated and both tests were equally accurate (60% agreement) at predicting those inbreds with field emergence in the lower 30% in both years. The soak test may be considered a rapid, inexpensive, and effective selection tool for elimination of those inbreds with poor field emergence, however, the cold test was superior for prediction of the field emergence of a wide range of inbred lines in a number of environments.