IngentaConnect Effect of seed size within seed lots on seed quality in kale

Authors: Komba, C.G.; Brunton, B.J.; Hampton, J.G.

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Volume 35, Number 1, April 2007 , pp. 244-248(5)

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

Abstract:

Six commercial seed lots of two cultivars of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var acephala DC) which varied in germination and vigour were size graded into four categories: large (seeds retained on a 2.36 mm screen), medium (seeds retained on a 2.0 mm screen), small (seeds retained on a 1.5 mm screen) and very small (seeds which passed through a 1.5 mm screen). Mean thousand seed weight for each category was 5.97 g, 4.89 g, 3.45 g and 1.74 g respectively. Medium and small seeds made up nearly 90% by weight of each of the seed lots. The graded seeds were tested for germination and vigour. For three seed lots germination did not differ among seed sizes, while in the other three seed lots seed size effects differed with seed lot, whereby the germination of large seeds was greater than that of very small seeds in two seed lots, but not in the third. Seed vigour did not differ among seed sizes in one seed lot, but was highest for medium and/or small seeds in the other five seed lots. Large seeds had lower vigour than small seeds in two seed lots, and did not differ in vigour from very small seeds in four seed lots. These data do not support the hypothesis that large seeds have superior performance to small seeds, or that small seeds have lower vigour.

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