Evaluation of seed vigour in soybean (Glycine max)

Vigour of nineteen seed lots of soybean has been assessed through standard germination first and final count, seedling dry weight, seed vigour index, accelerated ageing, multiple stress test, electrical conductivity and volatile aldehyde tests. The results of these vigour tests were correlated with field emergence. The highest positive correlation with field emergence recorded with germination per cent after accelerated ageing final count followed by multiple stress test. To know the storage potential, seed lots were stored under ambient conditions and correlated with germination, accelerated ageing, multiple stress test, field emergence with germination per cent recorded at three months interval during storage. Highest correlation obtained between initial germination percent and germination taken at three months interval during twelve months of storage. Hence, indicating the actual germination (%), rather than the minimum prescribed standards, found to be better indicator of storability. Multiple stress and accelerated ageing tests are good indicators of soybean field emergence.