Itävyysarvio

Itävyysarvio, often translated as germination test or germination assay, is a standard laboratory procedure used to determine the viability of seeds. It is a critical component of seed quality control in agriculture, horticulture, and research. The primary goal of an itävyysarvio is to quantify the percentage of seeds within a sample that are capable of germinating and developing into healthy seedlings under optimal conditions.

The process typically involves placing a specific number of seeds, usually a few hundred, onto or within a sterile germination medium such as filter paper, blotter paper, or a substrate like vermiculite or sand. This medium is kept moist and maintained at a temperature and humidity conducive to germination, which varies depending on the species. Light conditions may also be controlled. The seeds are then observed over a defined period, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks.

During the observation period, seeds that exhibit normal seedling development, including the emergence of a radicle (embryonic root) and plumule (embryonic shoot), are counted as germinated. Abnormal seedlings or those that do not germinate are not counted. The results are expressed as a germination percentage, calculated by dividing the number of germinated seeds by the total number of seeds tested and multiplying by 100. This percentage provides a crucial indicator of seed quality and potential for successful crop establishment or propagation.