Ethanol emission seed vigour test for canola: minimal effects from variations in incubation conditions, sample size and seed moisture content.

摘要

A 24-hour ethanol emission test for determining canola (Brassica napus L.) seed vigour was evaluated for robustness with 24 seed samples that had >=80% standard germination (percentage normal seedlings). Vigour of the samples varied significantly as measured by days to 50% radicle protrusion and seedling fresh mass. A mean increase in ethanol emission of 9% degrees C-1 indicated less sensitivity to temperature variation than reported for other vigour tests. Test results were relatively unaffected by variations in (1) sample mass, which allowed seed samples to be dispensed rapidly by volume; (2) incubation period, which permitted batch testing without precisely controlling the incubation period of individual samples; and (3) initial seed moisture content, which obviated seed moisture measurement or adjustment for the test samples. Variations in incubation temperature, incubation period, sample size and initial seed moisture found to be acceptable for the ethanol emission test may significantly affect results of other seed vigour tests. The robust nature of the ethanol test should minimise analytical errors and permit efficient analysis of large batches of samples.