For Agronomy students and seed testing companies.

2. NAME : YASIR AHMAD
C.NO : 64
SEMESTER : 2ND
DEPARTMENT : AGRONOMY
ASSIGMENT : 08
DEGREE : M.SC (HONS) AGRONOMY
SUBMITTED TO : PROF. DR.
INAMULLAH

3. Seed vigor
• Seed vigor refers to the overall quality and
strength of a seed. It indicates the potential of a
seed to germinate quickly, establish vigorous
seedlings, and produce healthy and productive
plants. Seed vigor is a crucial factor in
determining the success of crop establishment
and yield potential.
• Several factors contribute to seed vigor,
including genetic factors, physiological
characteristics, and external influences. Genetic
factors determine the inherent quality of a seed,
while physiological characteristics involve
factors such as seed size, weight, moisture
content, and biochemical composition. External
influences include environmental conditions
during seed development, harvesting, and
storage.

4. • High-vigor seeds are more likely to
germinate quickly, emerge uniformly, and
develop into healthy seedlings. They are
also more tolerant of stress, such as
drought, heat, and cold. This can lead to
increased yields and improved crop quality.
• There are a number of tests that can be
used to measure seed vigor. These tests
measure factors such as the speed of
germination, the length of the radicle (the
first root), and the weight of the seedling.
• Seed vigor is an important factor to
consider when selecting seeds for planting.
By choosing high-vigor seeds, growers can
improve their chances of success and
increase their yields.
CONTIN...

5. BENEFIT OF SEED
VIGOR
Improved germination rate.
Synchronized emergence of seedlings.
Strong and healthy seedlings.
Enhanced stress tolerance.
Higher plant populations.
Reduced risk of gaps in the field.
Increased crop yields.
Improved overall crop performance.

6. HOW TO IMPROVE SEED
VIGOUR
• Genetic selection.
• Proper seed harvesting techniques.
• Adequate seed storage conditions.
• Optimal seed cleaning and treatment.
• Appropriate seed priming or conditioning.
• Seed enhancement technologies.
• Quality seed testing and certification.
• Effective seed treatments for disease and pest
control.
• Controlled seed drying processes.
• Timely and proper seed planting techniques.

7. METHOD OF TESTING OF SEED VIGOUR
1. Germination Test:
This is a standard method to assess seed
vigor. It involves placing a specific
number of seeds on a moist substrate
under controlled conditions and
monitoring their germination over a
designated period. The percentage and
rate of germination indicate seed vigor.

8. 2. Accelerated Aging Test
• This test exposes seeds to high
temperature and humidity
conditions for a predetermined
period. It simulates the aging
process and evaluates seed vigor
by measuring the
germination percentage after
the accelerated aging treatment.

9. 3. Electrical Conductivity Test

10. 4. Tetrazolium Test
• This test involves staining seeds
with a tetrazolium salt, which
reveals viable tissues. The intensity
of staining correlates with seed
vigor, as healthy embryos exhibit
dark staining, while damaged or
dead embryos show lighter or no
staining.

11. 5. Seedling Vigor Index
• This method assesses seed
vigor based on seedling growth
parameters. Seeds are sown on
a substrate, and measurements
are taken of seedling length,
shoot and root biomass, and
other related characteristics.
The combined values provide a
seedling vigor index, indicating
the overall vigor of the seed
lot.

12. 6. Cold Test
• Seeds are subjected to cold
conditions to assess their
tolerance to chilling stress.
This test helps determine
the ability of seeds to
germinate and develop
healthy seedlings under
low-temperature
conditions.

13. 7. Field Emergence Test
• This test involves sowing
seeds in the field under
normal conditions and
evaluating the percentage
and timing of seedling
emergence. It provides a
practical measure of seed
vigor by assessing field
performance.

14. 8. Seedling Growth Rate
• This test measures the
growth rate of seedlings in
controlled conditions. It
determines the speed at
which seedlings develop,
indicating seed vigor and
potential for rapid
establishment.

15. 9. Vigor Index Tests
• Various vigor index tests, such as the
saturated salt test, seedling length vigor
index, seed vigor index, or seed vigor
classification, evaluate different
aspects of seed vigor, including
germination percentage, shoot and root
growth, and other vigor-related
parameters.

16. 10. Enzyme Activity Assays
• Enzyme activity tests assess the
metabolic activity of seeds. By
measuring specific enzyme
activities, such as dehydrogenases
or esterases, seed vigor can be
determined as these enzymes are
related to energy metabolism and
seed viability.