Seed Vigor Tests Research Articles

Seed vigor testing of coffee [Coffea sp.] to gibberellin hormone [GA3] concentration and water temperature differences

West Sumatra is one producing coffee region in Indonesia that contributes to the economy in Indonesia because unstable need expand. Optimizing generative propagation of coffee plants with gibberellin hormone treatment and different water temperatures on coffee seed germination stage. The research was conducted at the Seed Technology Laboratory Faculty Agriculture, Andalas University from July to September 2020. Research methods used randomized block design [RBD] with 2 treatments namely concentration hormone gibberellin and immersion water temperature differences. Measurement parameters are maximum growth potential [%], First Count Test [FCT] [%], and Index Value Test [IVT] [days]. All parameter observation results showed a significant effect on the treatment of gibberellin hormone concentration and water temperature treatment. G4S1 sample [the combination of 200 ppm gibberellin hormone concentration and room water temperature treatments] has resulted as the best treatment for all parameters. Respectively, 0.79 days for index value test, 76.67% for the first count test, and 85% for the maximum growth potential parameters.

Evidence for seed vigor associated with fatty acids and its composition in rice

AbstractAlthough fatty acids (FAs) adversely influence seed vigor in general, knowledge is limited about effects of FAs and its composition on seed vigor of rice (Oryza sativa L.). In this study, seed vigor parameters, FA, and its composition contents of different rice varieties were measured to determine their intrinsic relationships. There were significant differences in germination potential (GP), germination rate (GR), field emergence rate (FER), and FA and its composition contents among different varieties in 2014 and 2015. Additionally, the results of correlation analysis in both years showed that FA content was significantly negatively associated with GP (r = −.66** and r = −.69**, respectively), GR (r = −.72** and r = −.87**, respectively), and FER (r = −.51* and r = −.51*, respectively). Interestingly, the contents of palmitate acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:2), and linolenic acid (C18:3) in both years were significantly negatively related to seed vigor (r = −.43* to −.77**). Moreover, the results of principal component analysis showed that palmitate acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:2), and linolenic acid (C18:3) were main contributions in the first principal component for conventional japonica rice while in the second principal component for hybrid indica rice. These results suggest that medium‐chain FAs account for the decrease of seed vigor. Our study provides an important parameter for seed vigor testing and an early warning sign for seed storage of rice.

The Relationship between Seed Vigor and Germination Performance under Various Chloride Salts in Pea

Background: Salinity is a severe abiotic stress resulting in inhibiting germination, seedling growth of crop plants. Germination performance under salinity depends on seed vigor and genotypic factors. This study aimed to determine if there was a relationship between germination and seedling growth of eight pea cultivars subjected to three chloride salts and the results of seed vigor tests. Methods: Pea cultivars Ambassador, Bolero, Electra, Esprit, Puccet, Rainer, Utrillo and Winner were germinated in the medium with three chloride salts of NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 with the electrical conductivity (EC) of 20 dS m-1. Also germination percentage, mean germination time, controlled deterioration (CD) and electrical conductivity (EC) test were evaluated. Result: The seed vigor of pea cultivars was significantly different and salinity led to a significant decline in parameters of the cultivars. The most hazardous salt was MgCl2, while the least harmful was NaCl. Germination percentage was negatively related with MGT and EC values and EC test was strongly correlated with CD test. Utrillo and Winner were the most sensitive cultivars to MgCl2 and CaCl2. Although germination percentage of Rainer under non-saline was the lowest with 76%, it showed better performance under salinity than Utrillo and Winner. Germination percentage and CD gave a negative significant correlation with NaCl, but MGT and EC associated positively with NaCl. It was concluded that seed vigor should be considered as an indicator for the germination performance of pea seeds under NaCl, whereas genotypic factors play a key factor for tolerance to salinity during germination and early development stages.

Prediction of Field Performance of Seed Lots of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through Vigour Tests

Background: Profitable farming indeed needs a seed which emerges and performs better under natural ecosystem. The inadequacy of seed germination test in predicting the field performance of a seed lot, as it is carried out under controlled laboratory conditions which may not meet in the field necessitates the development and standardization of tests in a way that would reflect the performance of seeds in the field through laboratory tests.Methods: A laboratory based seed vigour tests were undertaken with 20 different seed lots of groundnut variety GPBD-4 having different vigour levels to predict the field performance. The correlation and regression analysis among the laboratory based seed vigour tests and field performance was analyzed.Conclusion: The significance of lab vigour test on the field performance revealed that, electrical conductivity was highly negatively correlated to seed emergence, speed of emergence, plant population and pod yield with r = - 0.885, - 0.885, -0.843 and -0.845, respectively. Similarly, accelerated ageing was highly correlated to plant population (r = 0.864), plant height (0.737) and pod yield (r = 0.815). Whereas, the mean germination time calculated based on radicle emergence test contributed more than 80% to field performances and mean while, electrical conductivity influencing for 71.4% variation in the pod yield. Thus, hinting refinement and use of electric conductance, accelerated ageing and mean germination time tests towards efficient prediction of field performance of groundnut seed lots.

Accelerated aging test of seed vigour for predicting field emergence of wet direct-seeded rice

Seed vigour tests enable detection of seedlots with high field emergence and storability. Here, an accelerated aging (AA) protocol is proposed as a seed vigour test for predicting field emergence of wet direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa) seeds. Seeds of 10 rice varieties, eight with intermediate bold grain type and two with short round grain type, harvested in 2017 were subjected to AA at temperatures of 40–45°C for periods of 24–120 h, or to standard seed germination at 25°C, followed by emergence testing in a rice field. AA treatments that were found to be appropriate to predict field emergence in 2017 were repeated with the same varieties harvested in 2018. Standard seed germination could not predict field emergence of tested rice varieties (r <0.2, α = 0.01). The appropriate AA treatment to predict field emergence was dependent on the grain type. AA treatment 43°C/72 h was found to be the best for predicting field emergence of wet direct-seeded rice of intermediate bold grain type (r >0.8, α = 0.01). Further studies are needed to find the best AA test for predicting field emergence of varieties of short round grain type.

Seed Vigour Evaluation of Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) Seed Lots

The work was carried out to test the seed vigour test to correlate seedling emergence potential of rocket seed lots in the field conditions. Standard laboratory germination percentages of the 12 seed lots were ranged between 87 and 93%. Radicle emergence (2 mm) percentages after 18 (RE18h), 24 (RE24h), 36 (RE36h) and 48 (RE48h) during standard germination test, accelerated ageing test (AA, 45 °C, 100% RH, 24h, 48h), electrical conductivity (20 °C, 40 ml, 50 seeds) of 8h, 16h and 24h readings were used as vigour tests. Seeds were sown in two occasions in the field and vigour test results were correlated with seedling emergence percentages. Even though all seed vigour tests were significantly correlated with emergence at various levels EC24h and RE24h showed the highest correlation (p<0.001) with seedling emergence percentages in both sowing times. Correlation values were 0.824 and 0.844 in EC24h, 0.860 and 0.874 in RE24h.The lowest correlations were seen in standard laboratory germination test as 0.640 and 0.654 (p<0.05). Results indicated that EC24h and RE24h are practical and fast vigour tests that can be related to seedling emergence potential in rocket seed lots.

Seed Science and Technology. Volume 48 Issue 1 (2020)

This issue of Seed Science and Technology contains a number of interesting papers worth giving additional attention. There are five papers that deal with analysis and breaking of seed dormancy, an important issue, not only for commercial practice and breeding, but also for regeneration of habitats and safeguarding bio- diversity. One paper in this issue describes how mucilage production by seeds can aid in overcoming drought stress during germination of seeds from a desert plant. Combatting seed borne diseases remains an important issue. One paper describes how treatment with a combination of two fungicides proved to be effective against seed transmitted seedling blight in Norway spruce. Another paper demonstrates a method to combat a seed- transmitted bacterial infection with watermelon in the seedling stage. Seed vigour tests are needed to give a better estimation of differences between seed lots regarding field emergence. A faster vigour test for tobacco seeds is proposed in a paper in this issue. Even traditional ISTA germination tests may be improved, as demonstrated in a paper for spinach seeds, where especially large seeds can be sensitive to a high moisture level in the tests. Instruments initially used in high-technology industries or in medical care sometimes find their way to seed science applications. An example described in this issue is the use of 3D X-ray computed tomography, which enables rapid non-destructive analyses of the morphology of individual seeds, which can be correlated with germination behaviour. Another paper is on the use of multispectral imaging for seed purity analysis with alfalfa seed lots.

Seed Vigor Changes of Forage Pea Cultivars Based on Seed Color

This study aimed to determine whether there were the differences for germination performance and seed vigor among the seed colors (Brown, green and army green) in forage pea cultivars (Ozkaynak, Tore and Taskent) after harvest. Second day germination percentage, final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), shoot length (SL), root length (RL), seedling fresh (SFW) and dry weight (SDW) were measured. The seed vigor tests, electrical conductivity (EC) and accelerated ageing (AA) conducted at 42°C for 48 h were used for distinguishing the vigor of seed colors in forage pea cultivars. The results showed that the final germination percentage was not significantly changed with seed color and cultivar while 2 nd day germination was recorded in cv. Tore and army green seeds. Army green colored seeds germinated faster than brown ones. Among three genotypes, cv. Tore had the highest final germination percentage, shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weights, and the earlier time to germination. There were significant differences among seed colors and army green and green seeds produced more vigorous seedling than brown seeds. The EC and AA tests confirmed that vigorous germination and seedling growth were obtained from green colored seeds in forage pea. Lower EC values and higher germination performance in AA test were recorded in army green and green seeds. It was concluded that the forage pea seeds after harvest should be sorted for seed color and removing of brown seeds may be beneficial for improving seeds quality for their high seed vigor and seedling growth ability.

Research advances in non-destructive detection methods of seed vigor

Seeds are the most fundamental means of agriculture production, and their vitality will directly affect the production and development of agriculture. The detection methods of seed vigor are mainly divided into two categories:non-destructive testing and lossy testing. With advantages of no damage to seed samples, high detection efficiency, online detection, good repeatability and less experimentation pollution, non-destructive seed vigor testing methods include near-infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral detection, electronic nose detection, and machine vision detection. Based on the development status of non-destructive testing technology for seed vigor at home and abroad, this paper comprehensively reviews methods, techniques and detection results of non-destructive testing of seed vigor, and summarizes the characteristics, application status, research progress, advantages and disadvantages in practical application, summarizes the current methods of non-destructive testing of seed vigor at home and abroad, and forecasts the development trend.

Biochemical changes stimulated by accelerated aging in safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Abstract: Seed vigor tests are used to estimate their quality. One of the most commonly used is the accelerated aging test (AA). The aim of the present study was to study the biochemical changes caused in the seeds and to determine their germination status after the AA. Six safflower genotypes were tested at 43 °C and 45 °C for 0, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, and germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT) and normal seedling percentage (NSP) were evaluated to determine the aging reactions of the genotypes. During the AA at 45 °C, the seeds quickly lost their germination ability after 48 h; after 120 h, the seeds lost their viability, remaining, however, still viable at 43 °C. Two genotypes that aged more (Linas and Olas) and less (Bayer-6 and Bayer-12) were chosen to examine the biochemical changes during the AA at 43 °C. Eleven biochemical analysis were performed to understand physiological changes associated with the test. Total caratone, xanthophyll, phenolics, flavonoid, soluble protein, soluble sugars, oil and malondialdehyde contents were lower after 120 h, compared to 0 h. Reducing sugars and free fatty acids contents increased in the least and most aging genotypes. However, the total tocopherol content increased in the least aging genotypes and decreased in the most aging genotypes after 120 h, compared to 0 h. The results showed that the AA at 43 °C was suitable to study the aging process in the safflower seeds. Besides, understanding the chemical changes was useful to elucidate the physiological basis of seed aging.

Influence of seed treatment with mineral nutrient products on emergence and growth in spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

Seed treatment with mineral nutrients in spring oilseed rape (SOR) under cold climatic conditions has the potential to improve the outcome of production. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of mineral nutrients applied as seed treatment on germination and growth of roots and biomass in SOR. In addition, seed yield and oil content were also measured. Seed vigour tests and in-field experiments were performed in Central Sweden in 2016 and 2017. Seven products with different composition of mineral nutrients were applied to the seed in a combination with binder, filler and fungicide (BFF), or applied directly onto the seed. The results showed that a treatment with mineral nutrients increased the plant size at stage BBCH 60 (early flowering stage) when the products were applied in combination with BFF in the field experiments. However, the increased plant size did not influence seed yield. Furthermore, when seeds were treated only with a nutrient product the addition of BFF decreased plant size by 10% on average and seed and crude fat yields by 4% on average. The use of BFF may thereby be questioned and is subject to further investigation.

Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on the Growth and Seed Yield of Spinach

The experiment was conducted at the farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during Rabi (November 2017 to March 2018) season to find out the growth, yield and economic benefit of spinach seed as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus. The research involved two factors. Factor A: Four levels of nitrogen; N0= 0 kg/ha N1= 27.6 kg/ha, N2=55.2 kg/ha, N3= 82.8 kg/ha, and factor B: Four levels of phosphorus; P0= 0 kg/ha; P1 = 15.84 kg/ha, P2= 31.68 kg/ha, P3= 47.52 kg/ha. There were 16 treatment combinations in the experiment and laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Quality tests of seeds were done based on the germination test (%), seed vigor test (Electrical conductivity). In case of nitrogen, the highest seed yield (1.10 t ha-1), germination percentage (87.33%) and lowest value in EC test (11.87 dS/cm) were obtained from N2, while the lowest seed yield (0.81 t ha-1), germination percentage (79.33%) and highest value in EC test ( 13.87 dS/cm) from N0. For phosphorus levels, the highest seed yield (1.05 t ha-1), germination percentage (86.58 % and) and lowest value in EC test (11.79 dS/cm) were recorded from P2, whereas the lowest seed yield (0.84 t ha-1), germination percentage (79.91%) and highest value in EC test (13.35 dS/cm) from P0. Due to mutual effect, the highest seed yield (1.30 t ha-1), germination percentage (91.33%) and lowest value in EC test (10.2 dS/cm) were noted from N2P2, whereas the lowest seed yield (0.69 t ha-1), germination percentage (72.66%) and highest value in EC test (14.83 dS/cm) from N0P0. From the economic point of view, the highest Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) (1.59) was found in the treatment of N2P2 and the lowest BCR (1.01) was found in the treatment of N0P0. It is apparent that the treatment combination N2P2 gave the best performance for the seed yield and economic benefit of spinach.

Seed Vigour Tests to Estimate Seedling Emergence in Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) Seed Lots

This work was carried out to estimate field and controlled room seedling emergence potential through seed vigour tests in cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seeds. Early radicle emergence percentages after 12 (RE12h), 24 (RE24h) and 36 (RE36h) hours of germination test, mean germination time, accelerated aging (45 °C, 100% RH, 24 h), electrical conductivity (EC) of soaking water (40 ml, 50 seeds, 20 °C), after 16 hours (EC16h) and 24 hours (EC24h), and EC16h and EC24h after accelerated ageing (AA, 45 °C, 100% RH, 24h) were tested as vigour tests in ten commercial seed lots of cress. Standard laboratory germination ranged between 88 and 93%. Seeds were sown on two occasions in field and controlled room conditions, and seedling emergence percentages were determined after 30 days in the soil and 14 days in the controlled room. Seedling emergence ranged between 67 and 85% and 59 and 83% in the first and second sowings in the field. These values were 75 and 92% in controlled room sowing. Vigour tests were correlated to seedling emergence potential at various significance levels but RE24h and EC16h showed the highest correlation coefficient values (p < 0.001) in all three sowing conditions as r = 0.879-0.988 in RE24h, and r = 0.902-0.962 in EC16h. Results indicated that early radicle emergence percentages after 24 hours (RE24h) and electrical conductivity value after 16 hours (EC16h) can be successfully used to estimate the seedling emergence potential of cress seeds in field and controlled room conditions.
 
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 In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 3, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.
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Sample size for determination of the physiological potential of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seeds

The objective of this work was to determine the minimum number of replications and seeds per replication to perform the germination and seed vigor tests with coriander seeds. Two seed lots were compared in terms of water content, vigor and viability. Eight hundred seeds per lot were used. Values of germination first count, germination, germination speed index and mean germination time were analyzed. Sample size scenarios were developed using different combinations of number of replications (from 2 to 10) and the number of seeds per replication (from 20 to 80) by means of a resampling with replacement technique. The reference sample consisted of four replications of 50 seeds, as it is commonly used in researches with this species. Determination of the minimum number of replications and seeds was based on comparing the 95% bootstrapped confidence intervals for the index of variation (CV/n0.5) of each scenario with the confidence interval of the reference sample. It is reasonable to reduce the number of seeds per replication from 50 to 30 in order determine germination first count, germination and germination speed index. Forty seeds per replication are recommended to quantify the mean germination time. However, reductions in the number of replications can affect negatively the accuracy of germination and vigor tests.

Rice seeds vigor through image processing of seedlings

ABSTRACT: The aim of this paper was to verify the viability of digital image processing in the measurement of rice seedling and its potential use as seed vigor test. The experiment took place at the Laboratório Didático de Análise de Sementes, located in Capão do Leão (RS), using seeds of eight rice cultivars: Irga 424, Puitá Inta CL, BRS Esmeralda, SCS 116, Guri Inta CL, BRS Pampa, BRSGO Serra Dourada and Olimar. An image processing system (IPS) was used to measure length and area of shoot and root as an index of seed vigor in rice seeds. The experiment design was completely randomized with five replications. The evaluated variables were root and shoot length in graded ruler and by image, root and shoot area, and field emergence. Results obtained with the IPS were correlated with other quality tests though the Pearson tests. Determination of shoot length and leaf area of the seedlings obtained through IPS is effective for assessing the vigor of rice seeds.

The Use of Seed Vigour Tests for Predicting Field Emergence

The general aim of this study was to address the problem of seed vigour testing in Acacia senegal and Acacia mellifera) by studying different seed vigour tests and comparing them to identify the most suitable test for each species. The importance of this study lies in the fact that vigour testing measures the percentage of viable seeds in a sample as well as their ability to produce normal seedlings under less than optimum or adverse growing conditions, similar to those occurring in the field. To achieve this objective, a set of laboratory and field tests were conducted for the two Acacia species. Data collected included: The number of seeds per kilogram, germination percentage, seedling shoot length, seedling root length, seedling root wet and dry weight, seedling shoot wet and dry weight. The cutting test, electrical conductivity tetrazolium test and Hiltner test were employed to determine the seed vigour.
 The results showed that Acacia mellifera had a high electrical conductivity, indicating its low seed vigour. The electrical conductivity of Acacia senegal was equivalent to that of distilled water, indicating that either the seed coat was intact or no ions were leached from the seeds. Comparison of the various tests suggests that Hiltner test is the most accurate” or “reliable”) test for seed vigor.

Assessment of Seed Vigor Tests for Crambe abyssinica

Vigor tests are important mainly to identify differences associated to lots performance in field conditions. The objective of this study was to define the most appropriate tests to evaluate the crambe (Crambe abyssinica) seeds vigor. Seven seed lots of crambe were subjected to the standard germination (on the first and last count), germination speed index (GSI), primary root protrusion speed index (PRPSI), seedling length dry and weight seedling, water stress test using PEG 6000 at -0.2 MPa, electrical conductivity and cold test without soil. Crambe lots studied had germination percentages varying from 54 to 80.5%. The GSI, on the first count of water stress and electrical conductivity test ranked lots between two vigor classes The PRPSI, seedling length, seedling dry weight and last count of water stress tests were less sensitive to evaluate vigor for crambe seed. The cold test without soil and the first count of standard germination test were capable to dishtinguish lots more efficiently than the standard germination test on last count by ranking four of the seven seed lots studied.

Evaluation of Seed Vigor Tests for Predicting Seedling Establishment at Low Temperature in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study was carried out to develop an evaluation method to predict rice seedling establishment (SE) under low-temperature conditions. Two Korean-bred japonica cultivars, Shindongjin and Hopum were used in the experiment. Fresh seeds were treated with an accelerated aging (AA) at 40°C and 100% RH for 1-15 days. The SEs of the fresh and AA seeds were evaluated in nursery beds at 17°C, and their correlation coefficients with seed vigor values measured by 9 test methods including standard germination test (SGT), cool germination test (CLT), cold germination test (CDT), seedling growth rate test (SGRT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and α ‐amylase (AMY) activities. The percentage of SE decreased slowly from 75 to 0% with an increasing of AA period from 0 to 15 days. The result of nine vigor tests showed different correlations with the SE. SGT, CLT, SGRT, and POX were significantly correlated with the SE. In the correlation analysis with only short-term aging seeds (1-7 days), the SE was very highly correlated with SGT, CLT, CDT, SGRT, POX, and CAT. These results suggest that seed vigor values measured by several methods including SGT and POX could be used as a reference value to secure SE at low temperatures in nursery bed rice seedling culture.

Vigor-S, a new system for evaluating the physiological potential of maize seeds

The refinement of vigor tests and the possibility of utilizing computer resources for the effective evaluation of the seed physiological potential have attracted considerable interest from research and seed technologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological potential of maize seeds using the newly-created Automated Analysis of Seed Vigor System (Vigor-S) compared with other recommended seed vigor tests; two maize hybrids were used, each represented by seven seed lots. Germination and vigor (cold test, saturated salt accelerated aging, and field seedling emergence) evaluations were conducted. For the evaluation of seed vigor with the use of seedling image analysis resources, two systems were compared: the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®), developed by Ohio State University, USA and the Vigor-S, resulting from collaboration between USP/ESALQ and EMBRAPA (Embrapa Instrumentation). Using these two systems, three day old seedlings were scanned and the images were analyzed. Similar results for the vigor index, uniformity of development, and seedling length were obtained. The computerized image analysis of seedlings using Vigor-S has advantages with respect to accuracy, speed, and the possibility of automatic application to a worksheet. It is a consistent alternative for the evaluation of maize seed vigor, and produces information compatible with that obtained by the accelerated aging test and SVIS®.

Electrical Conductivity Test to Evaluate the Physiological Quality of Salvia hispanica L. Seeds

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Seed vigor testing is an important component of quality control programs, and electrical conductivity test is a possible option in this process. The objective of this study was to identify a methodology of electrical conductivity test to stratify chia seed lots at vigor level according to the emergence of seedlings. Six lots of chia seeds were used in this study. The seeds were exposed to the following determinations: first germination count, germination, emergence speed index, emergence, aerial and root length, aerial and root dry matter, and electrical conductivity at 25, 50 and 75 mL during 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours of soaking in water. The electrical conductivity test in the combination of 25 seeds using 50 mL of water in 6-hour of soaking period, as well as the combination of 50 seeds using 50 mL of water for 24 hours of soaking, were efficient in the stratification of chia seeds in different levels of vigor.