Legume vigour

Abstract

Seed vitality and vigour are the two most common parameters related to seed quality. It is crucial to have reliable methods and tests for seed quality and seed vigour testing. The standard germination test can be used to predict field emergence, but laboratory seed testing conditions are often in conflict with field conditions. Validated tests for vigour evaluation in legumes are the conductivity test, the accelerated ageing test and the tetrazolium test. Also, other types of vigour tests have been used to solve different problems in the seed sector. The modern approach, the computerised image analysis of legume seeds and sprouts, based on interactive and traditional methods, is a promising alternative for vigour determination.

Keywords

• seed quality
• vigour
• legumes
• tests