VIGOR IN VEGETABLE SEEDS

Seed vigor is an extremely important seed quality characteristic to both seedsman and farmer. Vigor has recently been defined as "those seed properties which determine the potential for rapid uniform emergence and development of normal seedlings under a wide range of field conditions". The quality of high vigor in seeds relates to those genetic and environmental conditions from which the seed develops. The concept is further related to the conditions which the seeds are stored before they are planted.

Recent attempts have been made to quantify vigor through some sort of test measurement such as accelerated aging, tetrazolium staining, cold germination or conductivity measurements. However, before accurate precise testing procedures are determined for a general range of seed types, more information regarding the biochemistry and physiology of seed vigor must be ascertained. This includes vigor as it is predetermined by genetic make-up, how it is altered during seed development and finally, how storage affects vigor. These concepts are presently being studied at the University of Florida on several different types of seed. Results suggest that seed vigor can be genetically controlled thus improved during the plant breeding process. Altering the environment to provide optimal conditions for seed development gives the greatest potential for seeds which are high in vigor. Finally, proper storage can circumvent this as a major factor in vigor decline.