The development of seed vigour testing methods is important for high seed quality selection and, consequently, ensuring high seedling emergence and uniform establishment in the field, particularly in harsh environments. In this study, standard germination (SG), germination under water and temperature stress conditions, radicle emergence (RE) count, accelerated ageing (AA), and electrical conductivity (EC) tests were applied to evaluate the vigour of Poa crymophila and Elymus dahuricus seed lots. SG ranged from 70 to 88% for P. crymophila and 81 to 97% for E. dahuricus, with no significant correlation with field emergence (FE) for either species. EC was significantly correlated (r = -0.774, P < 0.05) with FE for P. crymophila seeds, but not for E. dahuricus. RE counts at 144 and 108 hours from sowing for P. crymophila and E. dahuricus, respectively, were significantly correlated with FE. Germination after one day of AA for P. crymophila and four days for E. dahuricus were more closely correlated with FE than other AA periods. Germination at -0.2 MPa and 15°C for P. crymophila, 0.0 MPa and 20°C for E. dahuricus also related to field emergence.
The selection of high vigour seeds significantly affects stand establishment and initial plant growth, particularly in harsh environments. Several tests, including standard germination (SG), seed vigour index (SVI), germination under water and temperature stress conditions, radicle emergence (RE) counts, accelerated ageing (AA) and electrical conductivity (EC), were applied to evaluate the vigour of 12 seed lots of Festuca sinensis. The SG showed that all seed lots attained high germination ranging from 86 to 96%; no significant correlation was observed between SG and seedling emergence (SE) in field experiments over two years (2020 and 2021). The RE count at 88 hours, germination (15°C and -0.2 MPa) were the most correlated with SE (r = 0.881 and 0.851, respectively, P < 0.01), followed by AA (42°C for 48 hours) and SVI (0.836 and 0.753, respectively, P < 0.01). Thus, RE counts at 88 hours, germination (15°C and -0.2 MPa), SVI and AA (42°C for 48 hours) accurately detect vigour difference of F. sinensis seed lots and provide similar data to those for SE in the field.
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