Germination of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) seed submerged in hydrogen peroxide and water as a means to discriminate cultivar and seedlot vigor

Abstract

Adequate field emergence of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) seed is a major concern of sugar beet growers, particularly in rainfed systems such as the Great Lakes region of the United States. Despite commercial requirements for high germinability (>92%), field emergence is much lower (50 - 60% on average), and the causes of this discrepancy are presumed to be stress related. Many stress factors may be involved, and alternative stress-germination tests may help to identify some of the more important factors, particularly as related to breeding for better emergence. We have begun to re-examine germination in the laboratory using rapid, non-conventional methods. Here, we report results from germination in liquid media that (i) simulate optimal conditions for germination and (ii) differentiate cultivars and seedlots. Using a range of germplasm, some known to be compromised in their germinability, incubation in dilute hydrogen peroxide solutions stimulated germination, but not generally beyond values obtained with standardized germination tests. Incubation in water alone showed a range of germination values from 90% among seedlots with otherwise good germinability. Different seedlots of the same cultivar often showed differences in water germination. However, differences between cultivars were apparent. This system may be of use as a sugarbeet seed quality and vigor test with further applications in selection and breeding.