Method of assessing viability of seeds - involves passing electrical current through partially germinated seed

摘要

The method is for assessing the viability of seeds, such as peas. It is particularly related to giving results applicable to growing in open ground. Dry seeds are kept moistened for a period of time and at a temperature which allows them to pass into the first phase of their germination cycle, but without starting the final phase. An electric current, at a constant voltage, is passed through each seed and measured and the seeds separated into groups according to the observed current values; the viability being related to current flow. The max. current and voltage required are about 40 mu A and 1.5V respectively.