Assessment of hemp seed vigour

Abstract

The seed vigour can be explained and described as the theoretical capacity of the seed which allows it to accomplish its substantial function under different environmental conditions. The key purpose of testing seed vigour as an underlying physiological seed characteristic is to establish more susceptible and precise seed quality parameters than a germination test. In seeds of oilseed species such as hemp seed (Cannabis sativa), the vigour can be a limiting factor due to the low chemical stability of the lipids compared to starch. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vigour of hemp seed and to make the difference between the tested hemp varieties in terms of vigour capacity. In addition to that, the aim was to identify and standardize the methods for assessing seed vigour and storability of hemp seed. The experimental materials include five varieties of hemp (Helena, Bacalmas, Hu×Uso, Monoica×Uso, Monoica) obtained from the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops.