Physiological potential of soybean seeds and its relationshipto electrical conductivity

Abstract: Electrical conductivity (EC) stands out among vigor tests because of its capability of detecting damage in seeds in the initial stage, since EC is related to disorganization of the cell membrane. The aim of this paper was to study use of the EC test as an alternative for vigor evaluation in soybean seeds, verifying its relationship to different vigor tests and thus suggesting values and the range of values of electrical conductivity that indicate the performance potential of a seed lot in the field. Eleven seed lots from each of four soybean cultivars were used for this study. The moisture level was determined and the following tests were performed: electrical conductivity, germination, tetrazolium, accelerated aging, first germination count, seedling vigor classification and emergence of seedlings in the field and in sand. The EC test had a significant and negative correlation (p < 0.01) with all the tests performed. Linear regression analysis allowed separation of the seed lots into classifications of very high vigor (EC ≤ 70 μS.cm-1.g-1), high vigor (EC from 71 to 90 μS.cm-1.g-1), medium vigor (EC from 91 to 110 μS.cm-1.g-1) and low vigor (EC ≥ 111 μS.cm-1.g-1).

摘要：电导率（Electrical conductivity, EC）在各类种子活力测试中优势显著，因其可在种子受损初期探测到损伤——这是由于电导率与细胞膜结构紊乱密切相关。本研究旨在探究电导率测试作为大豆种子活力评估替代方案的可行性，验证其与不同活力测试方法的相关性，并据此提出可表征种子批田间表现潜力的电导率阈值及取值范围。本研究选取4个大豆品种各11个种子批作为试验材料，首先测定种子含水量，随后开展以下测试：电导率测试、发芽试验、四唑（tetrazolium）测试、加速老化试验、初次发芽计数、幼苗活力分级，以及田间与沙床育苗出苗试验。结果表明，电导率测试与所有开展的测试均呈显著负相关（p < 0.01）。通过线性回归分析，可将种子批划分为以下活力等级：极高活力（EC ≤70 μS·cm⁻¹·g⁻¹）、高活力（71~90 μS·cm⁻¹·g⁻¹）、中活力（91~110 μS·cm⁻¹·g⁻¹）以及低活力（EC ≥111 μS·cm⁻¹·g⁻¹）。