The Pop Test: a quick aid to estimate seed quality

Tilley, Derek; Ogle, Dan; Cornforth, Brent

doi:10.3368/npj.12.3.227

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…In addition to traditional methods for viability testing, alternative seed testing techniques to assess seed lot viability are being developed. For example, the electrical conductivity test (EC) test (Marin et al 2018) and low‐tech “pop” test (Tilley et al 2011) may be used in some cases (Appendix S1).…”

Section: Native Seed Quality Testing Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ensuring seed quality in ecological restoration: native seed cleaning and testing

Frischie

Miller

Pedrini

et al. 2020

Restoration Ecology

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Seeds are a critical and limited resource for restoring biodiversity and ecological function to degraded and fragmented ecosystems. Cleaning and quality testing are two key steps in the native seed supply chain. Optimizing the practices used in these steps can ensure seed quality. Post‐collection handling of seeds can have a profound impact on their viability, longevity in storage, and establishment potential. The first section of this article describes seed cleaning, outlines key considerations, and details traditional and novel approaches. Despite the growth of the native seed industry and the need for seed quality standards, existing equipment and standards largely target agricultural, horticultural, and commercial forestry species. Native plant species typically have complex seed traits, making it difficult to directly transfer existing cleaning and quality standards to these species. Furthermore, in ecological restoration projects, where diversity is valued over uniformity crop standards can be unsuitable. We provide an overview and recommendations for seed quality testing (sampling, purity, viability, germinability, vigor), identity reporting, and seed transfer as well as highlight the need to implement internationally recognized standards for certification for native seeds. Novel and improved cleaning and testing methods are needed for native species from a range of ecosystems to meet the challenges and goals of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The guidelines outlined in this article along with others in the Special Issue of Restoration Ecology “Standards for Native Seeds in Ecological Restoration” can serve as a foundation for this critical work.

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Section: Native Seed Quality Testing Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ensuring seed quality in ecological restoration: native seed cleaning and testing

Frischie

Miller

Pedrini

et al. 2020

Restoration Ecology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For quality control, traded seed lots must be labeled with the results of germination and purity testing in accredited laboratories following the Rules for Seed Analysis (MAPA ). Seed testing results can take from weeks to months depending on the laboratory, time of year, species, and logistics (Tilley et al ). In addition, the producer must provide an invoice with a standard label and commercial terms provided by the responsible technician.…”

Section: Native Seed Policy In Brazilmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We highlight the role of the purity test to identify the pure seeds, other crop seeds, inert matter, and weed seeds in a test sample, particularly to avoid invasive species when restoration is develop by direct seeding. Moreover, alternative seed testing has to be officially recognized for supporting faster, cheaper, and easier procedures such as tests in nurseries focusing on emerging seedlings and the Pop Test (Tilley et al ).…”

Section: Perspectives and Strategies For Policy Enhancementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

How policies constrain native seed supply for restoration in Brazil

Urzedo

Fisher

Piña-Rodrigues

et al. 2019

Restoration Ecology

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Large-scale ecological restoration programs across the world involve a voluminous demand for native seeds of diverse native plant species. In this article, we explore how institutional systems have operated and impacted native seed supply in Brazil. Native seed supply for restoration is essentially a community-based activity which faces broad barriers to operating within regulations because of requirements for excessive and costly technical documentation, scarcity of seed laboratories, and lack of instructions for native seed quality testing. Although decentralized seed networks have stimulated arrangements for local organizations to promote seed supply, policies constrain the development of local capacities and the ongoing sustainability of these organizations. These conditions have resulted in a vast network of informal collectors and producers who are largely "invisible" and unknown to the regulatory authorities. Policies have decentralized responsibilities from the state without devolving decision-making power to the multiple stakeholders engaged in policy elaboration. The policies maintain the centralized regulation of native seed supply. After examining Brazilian seed networks' experiences and conducting discussions with stakeholders and experts, we suggest adapting the current regulations to more local level contexts, encompassing the following strategies: (1) ensuring native seed origin and identity; (2) relaxation of the laboratory accreditation process for native seed quality assurance; (3) fostering seed markets for restoration; (4) research to provide technological innovation; (5) supporting local, diverse, and small seed-based businesses.

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Decision Support for Managing Conservation Seed Bank Collections: Comparing Germination and Viability

Hoyle

Hodges

Clinton

et al. 2023

Seed Science and Technology

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Without knowledge of seed germination requirements, conservation seed bank collections cannot be utilised, nor their viability monitored over time. When germination is low, deciding whether to invest further seed, time and resources into investigating why can be difficult. We investigated the germinability of 37 grassy ecosystem seed bank collections, including germination response to fire-related cues. Where germination was < 75% we investigated seed viability using the tetrazolium chloride (TZ) staining test. Germination and TZ test results were then compared to determine next steps in collection management. Using 95% confidence intervals of the difference between germination and viability, the 37 collections were assigned to one of seven different data-informed management decisions. This approach provides a detailed decision support framework for conservation collection management, to strengthen current guidelines and ensure that time and resources are effectively allocated. Other seed banks could customise this approach depending on the number of seeds used in testing and what percentage of germination is considered sufficient.

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The Pop Test: a quick aid to estimate seed quality

Cited by 3 publications

References 0 publications

Ensuring seed quality in ecological restoration: native seed cleaning and testing

Ensuring seed quality in ecological restoration: native seed cleaning and testing

How policies constrain native seed supply for restoration in Brazil

Decision Support for Managing Conservation Seed Bank Collections: Comparing Germination and Viability

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