INSTITUT PERTANIAN BOGORDEPARTMENT OF SILVICULTURE

ECOLOGY RESTORATION, SVK 611(Methods of Seed Viability Test)

BYPHILIP WORLANYO DUGBLEY (E451138231)

Lecturer:

Dr. Ir. Irdika Mansur, M.Sc

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

INTRODUCTIONBrief description of of Seed viability testAim of Viability Tests

METHODS OF VIABILITY TEST The cut test X-ray analysis Test   Tetrazolium chloride (TZ)  Test

Germination Test

CONCLUSIONS

INTRODUCTION

Seed Viability

It is the capability of plant structure to show living properties like

germination and growth. Viability testing is one of the major aspects

of seed technology.

Is a also measure of the percentage of seeds that are alive after storage.

The greater the viability of the seeds, the fewer seeds that will be needed to establish a desired number of plants

in the field or nursery.

INTRODUCTION

Germination test is the best indication of the potential of a seed lot to emerge under field conditions

The percentage of germination of a sample taken from seeds to be planted is an important test, but not sufficient enough. The vigor of the plant is another factor.

Importance of Viability Tests

METHODS OF VIABILITY TEST The Cut Test

In addition, the endosperm must appear clean and firm

Terry et al., (2003)

METHODS OF VIABILITY TEST The Cut TestTerry et al., (2003)

Tiny Undifferentiated embryo (e.g. Ranunculaceae)

Small differentiated embryo (e.g. Apiaceae)

Linear embryo (e.g. Oleaceae)

Bent embryo (e.g. Brassicaceae)

Large investing embryo (e.g. Mimosaceae)

METHODS OF VIABILITY TEST X-ray Analysis

For seed workers with access to an x-ray machine, x-ray

analysis can be a very efficient and non-

destructive method of assessing seed quality

A good x-ray image will reveal details of

seed fill, insect infestation and also

size or absence of the embryo

To a lesser degree it may also reveal

variation in storage tissue quality. 

Terry et al., (2003)

METHODS OF VIABILITY TEST TZ Test

If germination test is conducted to test viability, it requires long period, because of which seed processing and marketing is delayed.

Tetrazolium test: It is a bio-chemical test. In this test, the indicator ‘TZ’ (a colorless solution of tetrazolium salt is used).

TZ dyes living parts of seed with red color, while dead parts appear colorless. Sometimes partial coloration is also observed.

ISTA (2003)

METHODS OF VIABILITY TEST TZ Test

Usually only uniformly stained red / dark pink embryos are

considered 'viable'.

METHODS OF VIABILITY TEST Germination Test- Top of Paper Method

Cut folded paper towel in half with sterile

scissors, then trim the long edge of the paper towel to fit petri dish

With a sterilized hand or an inverted funnel, snug substrate paper

into the container

Use a permanent marker to label the containers with the type of seed being tested and the replication number

METHODS OF VIABILITY TEST Germination Test

Spread the seeds uniformly on the moistened substrate, ensuring that none of the seeds touch each other

Close the lid, and place the container inside a

loosely fitting sandwich bag to help ensure additional moisture

retention

Place the containers in your seed germination cabinet, or in a warm

area where some light is present.

CONCLUSIONS

Testing the viability of seeds through Cut test, TZ test, X-ray Analysis and seed germination tests an important way to deduce the quality of seeds, to determine the efficacy of seed storage methods, and to help you plant the proper amount of seeds.

By conducting these simple seed viability tests, you can increase your seed saving efficacy and help to empower farmers in the saving and planting of important genetic diversity.

However, it must be emphasized that each method has it merits and demerits. They should therefore be used based on available resources and priority.

REFERENCES

Terry J, Probert RJ and Linington SH. 2003. Processing and maintenance of the Millennium Seed Bank collections. In: Seed Conservation. Turning Science into Practice. RD Smith, JB Dickie, SH Linington, HW Pritchard and RJ Probert, eds. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, 307-325

International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). 2003. ISTA Working Sheets on Tetrazolium Testing. Vols. I and II. ISTA, Bassersdorf, Switzerland.

Abram J. Bicksler 2011 Testing Seed Viability Using Simple Germination Tests; A Regional Supplement to ECHO Development Notes. Unpublushed Pp 1-4

THANK YOU!!!

SEED EXTRACTION

Seed drying and extraction involves the removal of seed from the fruit

following collection.

These processes should becarried out as soon as possible aftercollection and care must be taken toavoid any damage to the seed, which may reduce viability and longevity.

Acacia mangium

The correct handling and processing of acacia seed prior to storage is essential. Seed coming from the field is rarely fit for immediate storage; drying, extraction from the pods and further cleaning are commonly required.

It is important to ensure that these operations do not harm the seed, that the seedlots are not mixed accidentally and that the identification of each seedlot is maintained. 

SEED EXTRACTION

SEED EXTRACTION

Pre-cleaning

Drying

Extraction

Cleaning

When harvested material arrives at the depot there should be

an immediate inspection to determine its condition.

The rapid, artificial drying of pods is especially useful during rainy or

humid weather. A temperature treatment

of 45°C for a maximum period of

48–72 hours 

After drying the seed must be removed

from the pod without affecting seed

viability.

SEED EXTRACTION

Pre-cleaning Drying Extraction

The see

d of many

acacias can be

extracte

d from

the drie

d pod

by beating with a

flail or

slender pol

e, crushin

g the

pods

betwee

n canvas sheets by tra

mpling underfo

ot or, wit

h sma

ll samples

, simply by

breaking up the

pods by hand. 

SEED EXTRACTION

Cleaning (Sieving and Winnowing)Extraction

THANK YOU!!!