Seed Quality and Germination Dynamics in Small-Grain Cereals

Abstract

Objective: To determine the quality and germination dynamics of seeds of rye cv. Elbon, wheat cv. Valles, and triticale cv. T5.

Design/methodology/approach: Seeds were separated by size (small and large) and subjected to different conditioning treatments (accelerated aging). Study variables included the number of pure seeds, inert material, other seeds, thousand-seed weight, bulk density, moisture content, germination percentage, emergence speed, mean germination time, germination rate, germination speed coefficient, and germination uncertainty and synchrony indices. Analysis of variance was conducted using a randomized factorial design with four replications for each species and seed size. Means were compared using Tukey’s test (P < 0.05).

Results: The rye lot exhibited a long shelf life and medUIm vigor, while wheat and triticale seeds were short-lived and of low vigor. In all three species, large seeds were more vigorous than small seeds; however, seed size did not affect the temporal distribution of germination. Aging reduced germination percentage, emergence speed, germination rate, and synchrony index, while increasing mean germination time and the uncertainty index.

Limitations on study/implications: None

Findings/conclusions: Large seeds of rye, wheat, and triticale exhibit higher vigor, while seed aging negatively affects germination dynamics.