Changes in seed viability and vigour during wheat seed maturation.

Abstract

(...) Seed dry weight and moisture concentration were obtained from samples harvested at three day intervals from three to 39 days after anthesis (DAA). Seed quality was measured beginning at 12 DAA using the standard germination test (SG), the accelerated ageing test (AA), the seedling growth rate test (SGR) and bulk seed conductivity (COND). Physiological maturity (PM) (maximum seed dry weight) occurred at 30 DAA in all cultivars at a seed moisture concentration ranging from 332 to 402 mgg −1 (...) The data indicate that high levels of seed germination and vigour may be reached prior to PM in certain wheat genotypes. Thus, swathing or harvesting at this stage should not be detrimental to seed quality