Application of standard germination and vigour tests for seed quality assessment of maize inbred lines

Abstract

Information regarding the adaptation of maize (Zea mays L .) inbred lines to various field conditions and seed longevity is essential for seed companies. The objective of this work was to evaluate different vigour tests for detecting differences among naturally aged seeds and to assess the relationship between seed quality parameters and pedigree data of maize inbred lines. A seed of 15 maize inbred lines, selected at Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, belonging to different heterotic groups was produced during 2011. Seed quality was assessed in 2015 by standard germination , radical emergence, accelerated ageing, and cold test. Root length of 4-day old seedlings was measured in all applied tests. Analysis of variance showed that genotype and storage conditions had a significant effect on all seed quality parameters. Large variation among inbred lines was detected in seed vigour determined by three tests, in particular by the accelerated ageing test. Cold test results showed very good chilling tolerance of tested genotypes, except two inbred lines with Lancaster background. The correlation between the cold test and the accelerated ageing test was significant, while the radical emergence test had a poor correlation with them. Obtained results indicate that the application of either cold test or accelerated ageing test is reliable for screening seed vigour of maize inbred lines.