Testing of seed viability using different tests

Abstract

Tetrazolium test is a biochemical test that distinguishes viable from non-viable seeds based on breathing activity in the seed itself. The test finds application as a backup procedure for identifying a viable, but dormant, i.e. dormant seeds that failed to germinate during the germination test. The tetrazolium test is not an absolute test of the viability of the seed, and to make the conclusions valid, the results obtained by applying this test must be compared with the results of other germination tests for each plant species. This study included seed of two oil type and one confectionery sunflower hybrids, separated by size and weight into six fractions. Testing seed germination was carried out on four replicates of 100 seeds by applied Standard laboratory test and tetrazolium test. Obtained results were statistically analysed by applying analysis of variance. The results of the study show that in the case of oily-type hybrids, higher germination is obtained by using a tetrazolium test. Contrary to these results, in the confectionery hybrid, significant differences were observed that occurred between the seed fractions themselves.