Evaluation of Seed Test Weight on Major Field Crops

Abstract

Test weight is an important predictor for milling of yield; test weights are measured on grain loads by weighing a known volume of grain, which is used to compare grain densities. If lower test weights than the accepted standard are recorded than more grain volume is needed for storage or transportation. If high test weights are recorded than less grain volume is needed. Low test weights tend to result from poor grain fill and environmental conditions in the field before harvest. The 1000 grain weight is a very important measure of seed quality, which is effective on sprouting, seed potential, seedling growth, and plant performance (Hossein Afshari et al., 2011). This quality is dependent on the size of embryo and reserved nutrients quantity used for sprouting and growth (Ebadi and Hisoriev, 2011; Cao et al., 2011).