Volume 2, No. 1, 1977

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(pp. 1-10)
Differentiation of Soybean Cultivars by Metribuzin Sensitivity1
R. C. Payne and T. J. Koszykowski2
ABSTRACT:
Differences in seedling sensitivity to daily applications of 0.30 ppm of metribuzin (4 amino -6-tert-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as-triazine-5(4H) one) were detected among 56 soybean  (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars grown in sand culture. Variation in metribuzin concentration, metribuzin-nutrient solution pH, frequency of nutrient application, and photoperiod length affected test results.

While many soybean cultivars can be differentiated by their response to metribuzin, a continuous gradient of decreasing sensitivity among the 56 cultivars tested prevents them from being placed in clearly defined groups by this criteria.
Additional index words: Glycine max (L.) Merr., cultivar differentiation, growth chamber, sand culture.
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(pp. 11-17)
Effects of Accelerated Aging and Dry Heat Treatments on Dormancy and Viability of Freshly Harvested Kentucky Bluegrass Seed1
Bangalore R. Phaneendranath2
ABSTRACT:
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of accelerated aging and dry heat treatments on dormancy and viability of freshly harvested Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) seed.
Response to either accelerated aging or dry heat treatments was not the same for all cultivars and selections tested.

Rapid aging at 50 C and 100 % relative humidity for 1 day significantly increased the speed and total germination of dormant 'P-164' seed. Aging at 43 C for 1 to 3 days or at 41 C for 1 to 4 days improved germination. Dry heat treatments for 1 and 3 days at 50 C increased the speed and total germination of P-164. The 55 and 60 C treatments for 2 and 4 days decreased dormancy of 'Touchdown.' Two- and 4-day  treatments at 55 C increased germination of 'P-143' and 'P-154'
Additional index words: Poa pratensis L., temperature, relative humidity, germination.
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(pp. 18-28)
The Influence of Seed Moisture on the Accelerated Aging Seed Vigor Test1
Miller B. McDonald, Jr.2
ABSTRACT:
The influence of seed moisture on growth characteristics of soybean and barley seeds following accelerated aging was determined. Three desiccation procedures (molecular sieve, oven drying and freeze drying) were employed to reduce seed moisture levels. Following each procedure, the seeds were placed in an accelerated aging chamber for periods of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 days and the rehydration process monitored.

During the periods studied, low moisture seeds failed to attain equivalent moisture levels exhibited by high moisture seeds although the rates of rehydration were similar. The seeds were germinated according to the "Rules for Testing Seeds" and the effects of seed moisture analyzed using four parameters-germination, hypocotyl-coleoptile length, ratio of weak seedlings and seedling growth rate. High moisture seeds deteriorated more rapidly under accelerated aging conditions than low moisture seeds. This response occurred despite the fact that these seeds were from identical seed lots and, consequently, possessed the same inherent vigor levels. These results suggest that seed moisture levels influence the degree of deterioration in seeds subjected to the accelerated aging seed vigor test.
Additional index words: germination, hypocotyl, coleoptile, seedling vigor classification, seedling growth rate, soybean, barley, Glycine max (L.) Merr. Hordeum vulgare L.
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(pp. 29-39)
Procedures for the Routine Detection of Seed-Borne Pathogenic Fungi in the Seed-Testing Laboratory
M. M. Kulik1 and J. F. Schoen2
ABSTRACT:
Detailed procedures are presented for the routine detection of seed-borne pathogenic fungi in the seed-testing laboratory. The two basic methods described are the agar and blotter techniques. Brief descriptions are given of seven important genera of fungi that invade seeds of major crops. An annotated bibliography of 24 pertinent seed pathology  references is included.
Additional index words: seed health testing.
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(pp. 40-47)
Variations on Purities, Germination and PLS (Pure Live Seed) on Champ Bluestem1
B.A. Atkins2
ABSTRACT:
Purity and germination analysis on Champ bluestem were performed according to the Association of Official Seed Analysts rules in six different laboratories. The seed was sampled as it was being cleaned, and working samples were divided by the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association laboratory.

The results showed a large variation in the pure seed fraction among laboratories and within the lot. There was also considerable variation among laboratories in germination and pure live seed (PLS), but within the laboratories the results on PLS were consistent.
Additional index words: range grass, tetrazolium, seed treatment.
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(pp. 48-51)
Towel Germination and Field Emergence of Treated and Nontreated Sweet Corn Seeds Infested with Fusarium moniliforme
J. F. Schoen and M. M. Kulik2
ABSTRACT:
Twelve lots of sweet corn seed carrying between 5 and 51 % levels of surface-borne Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon were studied. Six of the lots treated with captan, Vitavax 200, or a combination of the two, and six nontreated lots were germinated in towels and sown in the field in two soil types (light vs. heavy) over two dates (early vs. optimum).

There was poor agreement between the incidence of seed-borne F. moniliforme and towel germination. Also, fungicide seed treatments apparently had little effect upon
the fungus.
There was no apparent agreement between incidence of F. moniliforme and field emergence of seed, whether treated or nontreated. Field emergence of treated seeds was virtually the same as for nontreated seeds. There was no agreement between the results of the towel  test and field emergence.
Additional index words: seed-borne disease
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(pp. 52-61)
Comparative Performance of Pregerminated, High Moisture Content and Dry Vegetable Seed in Greenhouse and Field Studies1
A.G. Taylor2
ABSTRACT:
Pregerminated and high moisture content of seed of asparagus, carrot, celery, onion, pepper and tomato were evaluated in the greenhouse. Sowing pregerminated seed of all crops resulted in less time for 50 percent emergence than high moisture or dry sown seed.

Sowing pregerminated seed of asparagus and tomato increased seedling emergence and uniformity of emergence. Dry weights 30 days after sowing pregerminated seed were increased in all crops except onion. Field studies of pregerminated tomato seed emerged sooner and more uniformly than high moisture or dry seed. Sowing separated pregerminated seed (germinated seed separated from ungerminated seed by a density method) increased the coefficient of velocity compared to the pregerminated treatment. The yield and percent of red fruit was increased by sowing pregerminated seed compared to high moisture and dry seed.
Additional index words: separation, germination, density.
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(pp. 62-72)
Germination and Growth of Rice Seedlings From High and Low Protein Seeds After Exposure to Various Storage Conditions
H. C. Bittenbender and S. K. Ries1
ABSTRACT:
The germination responses of high and low protein seed lots of 'IR-5' and 'Pelita 1/1' rice (Oryza sativa L.) exposed to two methods of storage stress were investigated. High protein seeds had a mean LD50, of 75 days and low protein seeds 55 days when stored at 27 C and 18 % moisture content.

High protein seeds remained viable longer than low protein seed at 40 C and with 20% moisture content when stored in sealed vials or over water. Seedlings from high protein seed had greater seedling vigor, regardless of storage stress. Stressing low and high protein seeds by storing at 40 C and 20% moisture content and germinating the embryos and whole seeds after this treatment on nutrient media, indicated that the site of seed vigor of high protein seeds appears to be localized in the embryo, while the endosperm is thought to be responsible for seedling vigor.
Additional index words: seedling vigor, seed stress, Indonesia.
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(pp. 73-80)
The Effect of Diflubenzuron and Fentin Hydroxide on Soybean Seed Quality1
Kriton K. Hatzios and Donald Penner2
ABSTRACT:
Seeds of 'Coker 102' soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] obtained from plots treated with 0, 0.035, 0.07, and 0.14 kg/ha of diflubenzuron [l-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)urea]', Cobb', 'Tracy', and 'Ransom' from plots receiving 0 and 2 applications af 0.56 kg/ha of fentin hydroxide (triphenyltin hydroxide) and 'Brag' from plots receiving 0, 0.266, 0.532, and 1.065 kg/ha of fentin hydroxide, singIe and in  combination with 0.067 kg/ha of diflubenzuron, were tested for quality and seedling vigor.

Lipid, protein, and carbohydrate contents were determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Kjeldahl, and Anthrone procedures, respectively. No effect of either pesticide on soybean seed lipid, protein, and carbohydrate content was evident with the exception that fentin hydroxide treated 'Ransom' and 'Bragg' seeds obtained from plots treated with 0.266 and 0.532 kg/ha of fentin hydroxide and harvested at 83 days showed
greater and lower carbohydrate contents, respectively.
Seed viability and seedling vigor were determined by the standard, warm germination test, accelerated aging test, and cold test.
Seeds of 'Coker 102' obtained from diflubenzuron-treated plots lost their germination capability following the accelerated aging stress.
Seeds of 'Cobb' and 'Tracy' soybeans obtained from plots treated with 0.56 kg/ha of fentin hydroxide showed an increased percent of healthy seedlings as compared to control seeds, following the accelerated aging stress.
Additional index words: 1-4-chlorophenyl-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)urea, tri-phenyltin hydroxide, Glycine max (L.) Merr., seed chemical composition, seed viability, seedling vigor.
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(pp. 81-85)
Quick Method for Removing Coating Material from "Prill-Coated"1 Seed of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)2
M. S. Dhaliwal and F. J. Lewis3
ABSTRACT:
A quick, simple and safe technique has been developed to remove the coating material  from "Prill-coated" alfalfa seed to facilitate purity analysis and to assess seed quality to ensure that the lot meets the standards required under the Canadian Seeds Regulations. The technique invokes washing the coated seed with a dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (pH 8-8.4) and vacuum-drying the seed after washing with methyl alcohol.
Additional index words: coated seed, purity analysis, seed quality.
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(pp. 86-87)
Brief Communication
Longevity of Seeds of Two Dimorphotheca Species1
Louis N. Bass2
During the 1950's and 1960's Dimorphotheca species were investigated as possible new crops (2, 4, 5). They are also ornamentals of minor importance. This study was initiated because no published information could be found on longevity of Dimorphotheca seeds.
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