Seed vigor

• Seed vigor is defined as “the Sum total of those properties of the seed which determine the level of activity and performance of the seed or seed lot during germination and seedling emergence”.
• It is a quality dependent on physiological potentiality, germinability and performance in field with respect to percentage, rate and uniformity of seedling emergence which have indirect influence on the maintenance of crop stand at harvest and yield.
• Vigor test could reliably predict stand, producing potential of seed lots in field condition.
• Losses of seed vigor are related to a reduction in the ability of seeds to carry out all the physiological functions that allow them to perform.
• This process, called physiological ageing (or deterioration), starts before harvest and continues during harvest, processing and storage.
• It progressively reduces performance capabilities, due e.g. to changes in cell membrane integrity, enzyme activity and protein synthesis.