ISHS Acta Horticulturae 83: Symposium on Seed Problems in Horticulture
THE LABORATORY GERMINATION TEST |
| Author: | D.B. MacKay |
| Abstract:
The modern germination test demonstrates the capacity of a population of seeds to produce plants in the field. This is done by exposing them to conditions in the laboratory which are optimal for germination. Seedlings are classed as normal or abnormal according to internationally agreed definitions, which are experimentally based, and only the former are included in the percentage germination reported. As well as providing a reproducible index on the basis of which trade in seeds can operate and planting value be assessed, it offers a precisely defined baseline for experimental work on seed performance. Although growers seek to obtain optimal seed bed and growing conditions, it is not usually possible to achieve ideal conditions in the field and some depression of germination is to be expected. But whereas in some species the emergence percentage shows a fairly constant relationship to the germination capacity, others are more sensitive to differences in soil conditions. In particular cases supplementary tests, such as the pea electroconductivity test, may be needed to detect specific weaknesses in seeds producing normal seedlings in the laboratory. However it is unlikely that such tests can replace the germination test in large scale screening for sowing quality. | |
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