Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
activity is related to seed vigor in cereals, this test has not gained any recognition in routine vigor tests in
seed testing laboratories.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content.
Because much of the energy for biochemical reactions in
living cells is stored in high-energy compounds such as ATP, it has been thought that the quantitative
measurement of ATP in seeds might be related to seed vigor (Ching and Danielson, 1972; Ching, 1973).
However, the evidence for such a relationship is spotty at best (Tao et al., 1974; Yaklich et al., 1979; Steyer
et al., 1980) and, consequently, this test has not developed any credence except in research situations.
Conclusions
Where do we go from here? Already, the seed industry routinely surveys all commercial seed lots for seed
vigor prior to marketing and distribution: evident testimony of the importance of seed vigor and the value
of seed vigor tests. However, while noting the important achievements of the AOSA Vigor Test Committee
in formulating vigor tests for the industry, McDonald (1994) concluded with the following observation:
“Despite these important achievements, this (seed vigor) information has yet to be routinely provided to
the consumer. While development of new and reinement of old vigor tests will continue, this charge of
permitting the seed purchaser the opportunity to read and evaluate vigor test data remains the future and
most challenging role for the Chairs of the AOSA and ISTA Vigor Test Committees.” To accomplish this
objective, the next logical step in the development and use of seed vigor tests should be their incorporation
into the testing rules. Indeed, it is wise and prudent that AOSA and ISTA provide recommendations con-
cerning appropriate vigor test procedures just as they have for germination and purity tests. This process
should be neither hasty nor incomplete. All aspects of seed vigor testing should be thoroughly studied and
extensive referees of vigor tests conducted prior to incorporation into the testing rules.
It should be emphasized that incorporation of vigor tests into the testing rules does not mean that seed
lots must be tested for vigor and that the results should appear on the label. It does mean, however, that
when seeds are tested for vigor, there are speciied procedures that must be followed. This process assures
standardization of seed testing, appropriate interpretation of results, and credibility and conidence in the
testing protocol. With this recognition will come an increased demand for this additional seed quality
information from the consumer. In conclusion, seed vigor tests provide valuable seed quality information
not identiied by the standard germination test. They are already of important value to the seed industry.
Subsequent work on the standardization of seed vigor tests will assure that this useful seed quality informa-
tion also will be available to seed consumers in the future.
Selected references
Abdul-Baki, A.A. 1969. Relationship of glucose metabolism to germinability and vigor in barley and wheat
seeds. Crop Sci. 9:732-737.
Anderson, J.D. 1970. Physiological and biochemical differences in deteriorating barley seed. Crop Sci.
10:36-39.
Argerich, C.A. and K.J. Bradford. 1989. The effects of priming and ageing on seed vigor in tomato. J. Exp.
Bot. 40:599-608.
Association of Oficial Seed Analysts. 1993. Seed vigor testing symposium. J. Seed Technol. 17:93-133.
Association of Oficial Seed Analysts. 2009. Seed vigor testing handbook. Assoc. Ofic. Seed Anal., Ithaca,
NY.
Baalbaki, R. and K. Fiedler. 2008. Results of 2007 vigor testing survey of AOSA member labs. Seed
Technol. Newsletter, AOSA. 82(1):59-61.
Bekendam, J., H.L. Kraak and J. Vos. 1987. Studies on ield emergence and vigour of onion, sugar beet, lax
and maize seed. Acta. Hort. 215:83-94.
