THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SEED COAT DAMAGE IN THE PRODUCTION OF HIGH QUALITY LEGUME SEEDS

Imbibition damage in the form of reduced vital staining was seen in peas, dwarf French and field beans when embryos were imbibed in water at 7°C. Slow imbibition in polyethylene glycol prevented this damage. Scarification of the testa in the two bean species also resulted in reduced vital staining, and in an increase in electrolyte leakage. Simulated processing treatments of field and French beans produced similar effects suggesting that there had been damage to the seed coat. Measurements of electrolyte leakage from seed lots before and after commercial processing also showed increases in leakage. The importance of care in the mechanical handling of grain legume seeds is discussed.