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Temperature, Time, and NH4Cl Concentration in Vigor Testing of Sorghum Seed 1
Author(s) -
Yayock J. Y.,
Jan H.,
Vanderlip R. L.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1975.00021962006700020017x
Subject(s) - germination , sorghum , agronomy , seed testing , sorghum bicolor , horticulture , biology
Abstract Often standard germination tests of sorghum seed over‐estimate field establishment capability. Current information in the literature points to the NH 4 Cl test as one of the most promising for correlating germination and field emergence for sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. But the potentiality of the test has not been conclusive, so we attempted to improve on the normally reported test procedure by changing temperature, time, and NH 4 Cl concentration. Laboratory and field studies were conducted in 1971, 1972, and 1973. Significant correlations generally were obtained between laboratory seed germination, including standard tests, and field emergence. For high correlations, NH 4 Cl concentrations need to be no more than 4% and soaking time no longer than 1 or 2 hours at 40 or 50 C, respectively, and germinating temperatures should be between 20 and 30 C. In one instance, correlation of field establishment with standard germination tests were higher than correlation with other germination tests, probably because of seed age. None of the modifications of the NH 4 Cl test greatly improved correlation with field establishment.