Research Notes : Constraints in using seed leachate characteristics to estimate seed vigor for varietal seed keeping quality comparisons in soybeans

Abstract

<p>Summary : Recent research has provided good evidence that characteris-tics of seed leachate, such as electrical conductivity and optical density, can be used as a measure of relative vigor for different seed lots of the same variety. Because plant breeders selecting for better seed longevity must make comparisons among varieties, studies were conducted to determine if leachate characteristics could be used to compare seed vigor among varieties that vary in seed size, seed color and seed coat permeability. Seeds of a yellow-seeded variety (TGm 579) and a black-seeded variety (TGM 618) were soaked with seed coats either intact or removed.</p>