Peanut Seed Vigor Evaluation Using a Thermal Gradient

Abstract EN

Experiments conducted from 2007 to 2009 evaluated germination of 11 peanut runner-type cultivars.

Germination was evaluated in Petridishes incubated over a thermal gradient ranging from 14 to 30°C at 1.0 C increments.

Beginning 24 hr after seeding, peanut was counted as germinated when radicles were greater than 5 mm long, with removal each day.

Germination was counted daily for seven days after seeding.

Growing-degree day (GDD) accumulation for each temperature increment was calculated based on daily mean temperature for that Petri dish.

Two indices were obtained from a logistic growth curve used to elucidate seed germination by cultivar: (1) maximum indices of germination and (2) GDD value at 80% germination (Germ80), an indication of seed vigor the lower the Germ80 value, the greater the seed lot vigor.

Based on the two indices, seed lots “AT 3081R”, “AP-3”, “GA-06G”, and “Carver” had the strongest seed vigor (Germ80 26 to 47 GDD) and a high maximum incidence of germination rate (80 to 94%).

Seed lots of “C99-R”, “Georgia-01R”, “Georgia-02C”, and “Georgia-03L” had inconsistent seed performance, failing to achieve 80% germination in at least two of three years.